title: The effect of self-sorting and co-assembly on the mechanical properties of low molecular weight hydrogels.
abstract: Self-sorting in low molecular weight hydrogels can be achieved using a pH triggered approach. We show here that this method can be used to prepare gels with different types of mechanical properties. Cooperative, disruptive or orthogonal assembled systems can be produced. Gels with interesting behaviour can be also prepared, for example self-sorted gels where delayed switch-on of gelation occurs. By careful choice of gelator, co-assembled structures can also be generated, which leads to synergistic strengthening of the mechanical properties.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool, Crown Street, Liverpool, L69 7ZD, U.K. d.j.adams@liverpool.ac.uk.
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Colquhoun
authors.forename: Emily R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Draper
authors.forename: Edward G B
authors.initials: EG
authors.lastname: Eden
authors.forename: Beatrice N
authors.initials: BN
authors.lastname: Cattoz
authors.forename: Kyle L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Morris
authors.forename: Lin
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.forename: Tom O
authors.initials: TO
authors.lastname: McDonald
authors.forename: Ann E
authors.initials: AE
authors.lastname: Terry
authors.forename: Peter C
authors.initials: PC
authors.lastname: Griffiths
authors.forename: Louise C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Serpell
authors.forename: Dave J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Adams