Stimuli‐ R esponsive Properties of Nanocomposite Gels Comprising (2‐methoxyethylacrylate‐co‐ N , N ‐dimethylacrylamide) Copolymer‐ C lay Networks

Summary Stimuli‐responsive properties of nanocomposite gels (MD–NC gels) consisting of (2‐methoxyethylacrylate‐co‐ N , N ‐dimethylacrylamide) copolymer and inorganic clay were investigated. The MD x –NC n gels were synthesized with different ratios of monomer ( x ) and clay content ( n ) by in situ free‐radical polymerization of two monomers in the presence of exfoliated clay in aqueous media. The resulting MD x –NC n gels were always uniform, but the network structure (or clay morphology) and the mechanical and swelling properties were largely dependent on the ratio of x and n . Also, well‐defined stimuli‐responsive properties such as changes in transparency and gel volume by altering the temperature and salt concentration were observed in the MD x –NC n gels, particularly with intermediate x (e.g., 10–50) and relatively small n (e.g., 2–5). Further, the reversible change in the gel size and the stress generation therefrom were observed in repeated runs. In addition, thermo‐responsive release of drugs (or chemicals) from MD x –NC n gels was observed.