Temperature-responsive polymers: properties, synthesis and applications

This chapter describes polymers that undergo a temperature-induced phase transition in aqueous solution providing an important basis for smart materials. Different types of temperature-responsive polymers, including shape-memory materials, liquid crystalline materials and responsive polymer solutions are briefly introduced. Subsequently this chapter will focus on thermoresponsive polymer solutions. At first, the basic principles of the upper and lower critical temperature polymer phase transitions will be discussed, followed by an overview and discussion of important aspects of various key types of such temperature-responsive polymers. Finally, selected potential applications of thermoresponsive polymer solutions will be described.