Novel multi-stimuli responsive sodium alginate-grafted-poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymers: II. Dilute solution properties

Multi-stimuli responsive biocompatible and biodegradable materials can be obtained by combining polysaccharides with the thermoresponsive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-PNIPAM. Behaviour of dilute aqueous solution of sodium alginate (AgA) grafted with (PNIPAM) (AgA-g-PNIPAM) copolymers as function of composition, temperature and pH has been studied by viscometry coupled with particle size analysis. The effect of grafting on the solution properties has been established. The sol-gel phase transition temperature has been also determined.