Polymer Crosslinking
Polymer Crosslinking - Related Videos
02:34
Polymers
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2020
The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
11:15
Nanosponge Tunability in Size and Crosslinking Density
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Cited by 1 •
2017
This article describes a process for tuning the size and crosslinking density of covalently crosslinked nanoparticles from linear polyesters containing pendant functionality. By tailoring synthesis parameters (polymer molecular weight, pendant functionality incorporation, and crosslinker equivalents), a desired nanoparticle size and crosslinking density can be achieved for drug delivery applications.
03:47
Crosslinking Neuronal Surface Proteins in the Mouse Brain using a Chemical Crosslinking Assay
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2025
This video demonstrates the crosslinking of neuronal surface proteins using Bis-sulfosuccinimidyl suberate or BS3. Isolated and chilled mouse brain is sectioned coronally. The desired region is extracted from the sections, minced, and treated with BS3. BS3 crosslinks surface proteins like GABA receptors, leaving internal proteins unaltered. The reaction is quenched with glycine before processing the samples for further analysis.
10:09
Fabricating Reactive Surfaces with Brush-like and Crosslinked Films of Azlactone-Functionalized Block Co-Polymers
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Cited by 5 •
2018
Surface fabrication methods for patterned deposition of nanometer thick brushes or micron thick, crosslinked films of an azlactone block co-polymer are reported. Critical experimental steps, representative results, and limitations of each method are discussed. These methods are useful for creating functional interfaces with tailored physical features and tunable surface reactivity.
09:06
Preparation of DNA-crosslinked Polyacrylamide Hydrogels
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Cited by 5 •
2014
Our laboratory has developed DNA-crosslinked polyacrylamide hydrogels, a dynamic hydrogel system, to better understand the effects of modulating tissue stiffness on cell function. Here, we provide schematics, descriptions, and protocols to prepare these hydrogels.
FAQs
Crosslink density provides a central design lever for balancing stiffness, elasticity, swelling, toughness, and resistance to heat or solvents. Changing the number of connections within the network can shift these properties without changing the overall polymer type. Engineers therefore adjust density when selecting performance targets for rubber, thermosets, hydrogels, coatings, or adhesives.
Chemical crosslinks form through reactions between reactive functional groups, creating covalent connections. Physical crosslinks instead rely on reversible ionic associations or hydrogen bonding under suitable conditions. The chemical route emphasizes network formation through bonding, whereas the physical route can allow interactions to change or dissociate. This distinction helps engineers choose between fixed structures and systems with reversible behavior.
Reactive functional groups provide the sites where neighboring polymer chains can bond during a chemical reaction. Their presence connects chain segments into a network, while suitable reaction conditions influence whether those connections form. This mechanism gives engineers a basis for controlling crosslinking in materials whose stiffness, elasticity, swelling, or toughness must be adjusted.
At the design stage, engineers can identify the desired balance among stiffness, elasticity, swelling, toughness, and resistance to heat or solvents. They then choose covalent bonding or reversible ionic or hydrogen-bond interactions and control crosslink density. Comparing the resulting mechanical and thermal behavior links the selected network design to its intended engineering use.
Crosslinked systems support a broad set of engineering materials, including vulcanized rubber, thermosets, hydrogels, coatings, adhesives, and engineered composites. Their network structure allows designers to tailor mechanical and thermal behavior for different service needs. The same principle also extends to biomaterials and responsive polymers, where controlled swelling, elasticity, or reversibility may be important.
The ability to control network structure makes crosslinking useful when biomaterials require selected combinations of elasticity, swelling, toughness, or resistance to environmental conditions. Reversible ionic associations and hydrogen bonding can also provide interactions that change under suitable conditions. These features support the design of responsive polymers and broaden crosslinking beyond conventional rubber, coating, and thermoset applications.