Molecular characterization of a new polymer

• Main Author: Leong, Wai Chong.
• Other Authors: Li Lin
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2010
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/40608
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

With the growing interest in biotechnology, the unique thermo-responsive property of polymer gels leads to great potential in bioengineering applications. Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)-based aqueous microgels with a lower critical solution temperature of 320C which is capable of phase transition near body temperature, makes it a highly suitable candidate for various biological applications such as controlled drug release. It is hoped that by studying CS-g¬-PNIPAM, new insights can be elucidated hence providing a more in-depth understanding of this potentially useful addition to medical applications. This is achieved by performing calorimetric and rheological studies to investigate the sol-gel transition of CS-g-PNIPAM. The samples will be prepared and tested under a series of different parameters namely pH, salts and surfactants. Each sample will be tested at least twice for consistency and additional testing will be carried out if required. The obtained rheological and calorimetric results will then be used to explain the effects of the 3 parameters on the sol-gel transition. In addition, a calorimetric study of the effect of a non-ionic surfactant on the sol-gel transition on methylcellulose is also conducted.