Smart Polymers
Smart polymers are advanced materials that can change their properties in response to external stimuli, such as temperature, pH, or light. These polymers can become more flexible, rigid, or even change shape, making them useful in various applications, including drug delivery systems and self-healing materials.
One of the key features of smart polymers is their ability to respond to environmental changes. For example, thermoresponsive polymers can expand or contract when heated or cooled. This unique behavior allows for innovative uses in fields like medicine, where they can release drugs at specific temperatures, enhancing treatment effectiveness.