Structural design of vinyl polymer hydrogels utilizing precision radical polymerization

Abstract

Polymer hydrogels are promising materials for various applications due to their unique properties. The precise construction of networked structures is required for the development of gel materials with improved functionality. This focus review outlines the structural design of polymer gels by utilizing precision radical polymerization techniques, mainly focusing on the authors’ recent research. First, the anticipated advantages of precision radical polymerization in gel synthesis are briefly explained. Then, our approach to synthesizing gels with a homogeneous network structure is described. Finally, controlling the swelling behavior of gels prepared from two types of monomers is highlighted with a focus on the regulation of the monomer sequence in the network chains. To develop highly functional gel materials, the precision construction of the network structure is required. This focus review outlines the structural design of polymer gels by utilizing precision radical polymerization techniques with a focus on the authors’ recent research. In particular, the synthesis of homogeneous networks using precise radical polymerization and the control of the swelling characteristics by tuning the monomer sequence in the gel network chain are described.