Hydrophilic polymer networks

In applications where self-polishing is not possible, the combination of a microbe-repelling surface and a release system seems to be desirable. One example of a design for such a surface is shown in Fig. 8. The depicted coating is based on a hydrophilic polymer network that contains polyethyleneimine crosslinkers, which are capable of selectively taking up silver ions and acting as a template for silver nanoparticles [90], This reloadable co-network was surface-modified with PEG,... 

Polymer hydrogels are cross-linked hydrophilic polymer networks that are able to swell considerably in an aqueous medium. The development of hydrogels is a dynamic field of research, and these materials could be used in various applications as agriculture, wastewater treatment, and of course biomedicine and pharmacy (drug delivery systems, wound dressing, soft contact lenses, etc.). 

The complexation of two polymeric units to form a hydrophilic polymer network through hydrogen bonds is reviewed in an effort to associate the swelling characteristics to the complexation phenomenon. Polymer solution studies are summarized and used to interpret the behavior of complexes in networks. The review focuses on the complexation process of poly(ethylene glycol) and poly(methacrylic acid). 

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