Covalent amphiphilic polymer networks

The recent literature on chemically cross-linked amphiphilic polymer networks is reviewed. The main subjects covered are network synthesis, characterization, modeling and applications. Special mention is made to more modern methods for amphiphilic network synthesis and in particular to those involving controlled polymerization techniques. A key question regarding synthesis is which method gives the most perfect networks. On the characterization side is the issue of microphase separation of amphiphilic networks in water and the morphologies obtained in these systems, in comparison with the morphologies of amphiphilic linear block copolymers in water. Major recent advances: The most important developments of the past year in the field of amphiphilic polymer networks involved mainly new syntheses: cross-linked stars of various star architectures, cross-linked linear chains of various architectures and compositions, poly (tetrahydrofuran)- and poly(propylene fumarate)-based networks, tricomponent networks containing silicon, and cross-linked poly(acrylic acid)-grafted Pluronics. A first crude model was also developed which shows that amphiphilic networks prefer to be mostly in the microphase separated state. Extensive and systematic experimental studies on network microphase separation are yet to be performed. (C) 2003 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.