Accelerated Self-Healing Via Ternary Interpenetrating Microvascular Networks
(4320–4326) Advanced Functional Materials 21  #22 (2011)
Hansen et al of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Illinois, developed self-healing materials with dual interpenetrating microvascular networks which enable two-part healing chemistries and repeated healing of damage in a localized region.   However, due to slow healing kinetics, multiple days are required between damage events to recover mechanical performance under ambient conditions.  By directly writing a third interdigitated microvascular network within these epoxy coating/substrate architectures to enable in situ thermal regulation, the characteristic healing time is reduced by an order of magnitude.  Specifically, this third network provides a conduit for circulating a temperature-controlled fluid that rapidly heats the locally damaged region leading to a sharp reduction in the time required for mechanical property restoration.  (RDC 11/16/2011)

Nanostructured Interpenetrating Polymer Network (IPN) Precursor Ultrathin Films
(1039–1049)Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics 212 #10 (2011)
Waenkaew et al of the University of Houston, Texas and Chiang Mai University, Thailand, formed a nanostructured interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) via electropolymerization .  The electro-copolymerization of alternate layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembled polyelectrolytes with thiophene and carbazole pendant monomers was demonstrated facilitating IPN formation of π-conjugated polymers or conjugated polymer network (CPN) films.  Electrochemical crosslinking by cyclic voltammetry (CV) manifested highly regular peak current increases with successive cycles. A quantitative correlation of the LbL layer number with the cathodic charge and scan rate was observed.  (RDC 5/26/2011)

Double-Network Interpenetrating Bone Cement via in situ Hybridization Protocol
(pages 3997–4011)Advanced Functional Materials 20  #22 (2010)
Wang et al developed and interpenetrating network by in situ crosslinking polymerization of glycidyl methacrylate derivatized dextran  and the synchronous hydration process of calcium phosphate bone cement.  The hybrid cement  is tunable from stiff-but-not-brittle to ductile-but-not-soft depending on the composition of the double network.  (RDC 11/29/2010)

Synthesis and characterization of high temperature resistance interpenetrating polymer network
( 2339–2344) Journal of Applied Polymer  Science 119 #4 (2010)
Kirubaharanet al of Anna University and Central Electrochemical Research Institute, India showed that the corrosion resistances of interpenetrating networks of silicone with polypyrrole or polythiophene  were similar but the polythiophene networks had the better heat resistance.  (RDC 11/10/2010)

Characterization of biodegradable semi-interpenetrating polymer based on poly(vinyl alcohol) and sodium alginate containing natural neem (Azadirachta indica) for controlled release application
( 1130–1140)Polymer International 59 #8 (2010)
Riyajanand Sakdapipanichshiowed the strength of the polymeric capsule depended on the poly(vinyl alcohol) content and crosslinking density. The walls are rough and nonporous.  Swelling decreases with increasing crosslinking. (RDC 11/6/2010)

The Dynamic Mechanical Properties of Chlorobutyl Rubber/Polybutyl Methacrylate Sequential Interpenetrating Networks
(1310 – 1314) Polymer - Plastics Technology and Engineering 49 #13 (2010)
Dai and Yanbing from China described the process by the WLF equation and the initial decomposition temperature and decomposition rate decreases with polybutyl methacrylate concentration.  (RDC 11/6/2010)