Multifunctional 3D shape-memory materials
The shape-memory polymer scaffold can host a wide range of functional nanoparticles, enabling the formation of materials with many different functions. The robust sponge-like scaffold is formed from chitosan by ice-templating. Chitosan regains its shape when placed into water after it has been compressed or dried. When placed in a nanoparticle solution, the compressed scaffold becomes coated in the nanoparticles as it swells, through electrostatic interactions with the chitosan. Synergistic functions can be created by adding two different types of nanoparticles at the same time. This simple method can be used with a wide variety of nanoparticles to create 3D shape-memory materials with properties ranging from magnetism to antibacterial activity and fluorescence.
Original publication
H-L Gao et al, Mater. Horiz., 2013
Most read news
Original publication
H-L Gao et al, Mater. Horiz., 2013
Organizations
Other news from the department science
These products might interest you
NANOPHOX CS by Sympatec
Particle size analysis in the nano range: Analyzing high concentrations with ease
Reliable results without time-consuming sample preparation
Eclipse by Wyatt Technology
FFF-MALS system for separation and characterization of macromolecules and nanoparticles
The latest and most innovative FFF system designed for highest usability, robustness and data quality
DynaPro Plate Reader III by Wyatt Technology
Screening of biopharmaceuticals and proteins with high-throughput dynamic light scattering (DLS)
Efficiently characterize your sample quality and stability from lead discovery to quality control
Get the chemical industry in your inbox
From now on, don't miss a thing: Our newsletter for the chemical industry, analytics, lab technology and process engineering brings you up to date every Tuesday and Thursday. The latest industry news, product highlights and innovations - compact and easy to understand in your inbox. Researched by us so you don't have to.