Interpenetrating and random copolymer networks are vital in a number of industrial applications, including the fabrication of automotive parts, damping materials, and tissue engineering scaffolds. We develop a theoretical model for a process that enables the controlled growth of interpenetrating network (IPNs), or a random copolymer network (RCN) of specified size and mechanical properties. In this process, a primary gel “seed” is immersed into a solution containing the secondary monomer and crosslinkers. After the latter species are absorbed into the primary network, the absorbed monomers are polymerized to form the secondary polymer chains, which then can undergo further crosslinking to form an IPN, or undergo inter-chain exchange with the existing network to form a RCN. The swelling and elastic properties of the IPN and RCN networks can be tailored by modifying the monomer and crosslinker concentrations in the surrounding solution, or by tuning the enthalpic interactions between the primary polymer, secondary monomer and solvent through a proper choice of chemistry. This process can be used repeatedly to fabricate gels with a range of mechanical properties from stiff, rigid materials to soft, flexible networks, allowing the method to meet the materials requirements of a variety of applications.

中文翻译：

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互穿或无规共聚物网络的可控增长

互穿和无规共聚物网络在许多工业应用中至关重要，包括汽车零件、阻尼材料和组织工程支架的制造。我们开发了一个过程的理论模型，该模型能够控制互穿网络 (IPN) 或指定尺寸和机械性能的无规共聚物网络 (RCN) 的生长。在这个过程中，初级凝胶“种子”被浸入含有次级单体和交联剂的溶液中。后一种物质被吸收到初级网络中后，被吸收的单体聚合形成二级聚合物链，然后可以进一步交联形成 IPN，或与现有网络进行链间交换形成 RCN。通过改变周围溶液中的单体和交联剂浓度，或通过通过适当的化学选择，通过调节原发性聚合物，二次单体和溶剂之间的焓相互作用来定制IPN和RCN网络的肿胀和弹性性质。该过程可重复用于制造具有一系列机械性能的凝胶，从坚硬的刚性材料到柔软、灵活的网络，使该方法能够满足各种应用的材料要求。