Stimuli responsive gels based on interpenetrating network of hydroxy propylcellulose and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

Sequential networks made of hydroxypropylcellulose (HPC) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) were synthesized by adsorption of a solution of NIPA monomer into a dried porous HPC network. NIPA polymerization inside the network allows us to obtain IPN which show, as the neat components, thermosensitive volumetric behavior. The volumetric transition temperatures range between those of HPC and PNIPA gels. Moreover, as the rate of the swelling–deswelling process is quite higher than that of PNIPA irrespective of the composition, the synthesis method appears interesting in modulated thermosensitive behavior and in the application of this kind of IPN.