Structure–Property Relationships in Poly (N isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogels: Toward Thermoresponsive Polymer Composites

Year : 2026 | Volume : 14 | Special Issue 01 | Page : 884 895
    By

    Nadeem Hasan,

  • Lalit Mohan Nainwal,

  • Poonam Arora,

  • Gopal Dilip Wagh,

  • Mrinal Kanti Bhoumik,

  • Anuja P. Bhosale,

  • Rajeeva Bhaskar,

  • Amit Kumar Singh,

  • Manish R. Bhise,

  1. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, MAM College of Pharmacy, Kalaburagi, Karnataka, India
  2. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Teerthanker Mahaveer College of Pharmacy, Teerthanker Mahaveer University, Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh, India
  3. Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, SGT College of Pharmacy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India
  4. Research Scholar, Department of Physics, Mahatma Gandhi Shikshan Mandalache & Dadasaheb Dr. Suresh G. Patil College Chopda, Jalgaon, Maharshtra, India
  5. Manager, Department of Manufacturing Science and Technology, Jubilant Cadista Pharmaceutical Inc, 790 Township Line Road, Yardley, PA 19067-4249, USA
  6. Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, M.G.V.& Pharmacy College, Panchavati, Nasik, Maharshtra, India
  7. Director, Department of Clinical Data Science, Revolution Medicines, 500-900 Saginaw Drive, Redwood City CA 94063, United States
  8. Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, United Institute of Pharmacy, (Affiliated to Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, Lucknow), Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, India
  9. Professor, Department of Pharmaceutics, SGSPS, Institute of Pharmacy, Akola, Affiliated to SGBAU, Amravati, Maharashtra, India

Abstract

Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) hydrogels can shift from solid to gel and back again at body temperature. Due to their lack structural integrity, thermal stability, and mechanical strength, they are difficult to use. This study mixed PNIPAAm with biocompatible fillers like chitosan and silicon nanoparticles to create hydrogels with superior structure-property correlations. Free radical polymerization with ammonium persulfate/TEMED initiator and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide crosslinker produced the composites. Scanning electron microscopy showed a denser, interconnected porous network and uniform filler dispersion, while Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy showed strong polymer-filler interactions. The swelling behavior improved with increased crosslinker and filler, from 15.2 ± 0.6 to 8.7 ± 0.4. This indicates increased network density. Mechanical research revealed a 2.5-fold increase in compressive modulus for silica-reinforced hydrogels, from 38.6 ± 2.1 kPa to 97.4 ± 3.6 kPa In contrast, rheological studies showed greater storage modulus and elastic recovery. Thermogravimetric analysis showed higher degradation temperatures (272–310°C) for composites compared to pure PNIPAAm, whereas differential scanning calorimetry demonstrated thermoresponsive activity at 33 ± 1°C. Adding chitosan and silica nanoparticles to PNIPAAm hydrogels made them stronger, more elastic, and heat-resistant but still temperature-sensitive. Composite hydrogels may be beneficial in injectable scaffolds, wound dressings, and smart drug delivery systems.

Keywords: PNIPAAm hydrogels; thermo responsive materials; mechanical strength; thermal stability; structure–property relationship.

[This article belongs to Special Issue under section in Journal of Polymer & Composites (jopc)]

How to cite this article:
Nadeem Hasan, Lalit Mohan Nainwal, Poonam Arora, Gopal Dilip Wagh, Mrinal Kanti Bhoumik, Anuja P. Bhosale, Rajeeva Bhaskar, Amit Kumar Singh, Manish R. Bhise. Structure–Property Relationships in Poly (N isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogels: Toward Thermoresponsive Polymer Composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):884-895.
How to cite this URL:
Nadeem Hasan, Lalit Mohan Nainwal, Poonam Arora, Gopal Dilip Wagh, Mrinal Kanti Bhoumik, Anuja P. Bhosale, Rajeeva Bhaskar, Amit Kumar Singh, Manish R. Bhise. Structure–Property Relationships in Poly (N isopropylacrylamide) Hydrogels: Toward Thermoresponsive Polymer Composites. Journal of Polymer & Composites. 2026; 14(01):884-895. Available from: https://journals.stmjournals.com/jopc/article=2026/view=236083


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Special Issue Subscription Original Research
Volume 14
Special Issue 01
Received 28/10/2025
Accepted 17/11/2025
Published 16/01/2026
Publication Time 80 Days
250

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