查看文章

Stimuli-responsive polymers (SRPs) exhibit a change in properties upon application of an external stimulus, such as a change in temperature, ionic strength, pH, or electric, magnetic, or mechanical fields or by chemical or biological analytes. Examples include liquid crystal polymers, 1 polymer solutions and gels, which undergo a change in phase morphology, 2 electro-and magnetorheological fluids, 3 and electroactive polymers (EAPs). 4 SRPs have potential applications as smart films in sensors, actuators, electrooptic devices, etc., where the rheological properties become important. Specifically, it is advantageous to have thixotropic character, ie, under high shear stresses, typical of processing conditions, the film behaves as a free-flowing liquid, whereas at low stresses, relevant to postprocessing conditions, it exhibits high viscosity or gellike properties. One possible mechanism to achieve thixotropic properties …