Interpenetrating polymer networks are combinations of two or more polymer networks that are at least partly interlocked on a molecular scale without being covalently joined [1]. Each network is synthesised or crosslinked in the presence of the other, so the two are entangled and cannot be separated without breaking chemical bonds [1]. The morphology is set by the relative rates of network formation and by the compatibility of the components, which decide whether the phases stay co-continuous or separate into domains [2]. Because the networks carry no bonds between them, the material is classed as a polymer blend rather than a copolymer [3]. Swelling in a common solvent is limited by the elastic restraint each network imposes on the other [2].
- interpenetrating network
- sequential polymerisation
- co-continuous morphology
- physical interlock
- ipn
Synthesis and properties of polymers·Polymers and Plastics·Materials Science·Physical Sciences
References
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- Rogovina, L.; Dembo, A.; Skitanth Sharma, P.; Frisch, H.; Schulz, M.; Swollen interpenetrating polymer networks. Polymer 2000, 41, 2893-2898, 10.1016/s0032-3861(99)00471-1.
- Farooq, U.; Teuwen, J.; Dransfeld, C.; Toughening of Epoxy Systems with Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN): A Review. Polymers 2020, 12, 1908, 10.3390/polym12091908.