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Fast responsive and morphologically robust thermo-responsive hydrogel nanofibres from poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) and POSS crosslinker

Abstract

Stable thermo-responsive hydrogel nanofibres have been prepared by electrospinning of commercial poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) in the presence of a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) possessing eight epoxide groups and of an organic-base catalyst, followed by a heat curing treatment. The nanofibres showed excellent hydrogel characteristics with fast swelling and de-swelling responses triggered by temperature changes. They were also morphologically robust as their physical integrity was preserved upon repeated hydration/dehydration cycles and exposure to solvents.<br /

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