title: Nonlinear Effects in Multicomponent Supramolecular Hydrogels.
abstract: Multicomponent low molecular weight gels are useful for a range of applications. However, when mixing two components, both of which can independently form a gel, there are many potential scenarios. There is a limited understanding as to how to control and direct the assembly. Here, we focus on a pH-triggered two-component system. At high pH, colloidal structures are formed, and there is a degree of mixing of the two gelators. As the pH is decreased, there is a complex situation, where one gelator directs the assembly in a "sergeants and soldiers" manner. The second gelator is not fully incorporated, and the remainder forms an independent network. The result is that there is a nonlinear dependence on the final mechanical properties of the gels, with the storage or loss modulus being very dependent on the absolute ratio of the two components in the system.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
authors.forename: Emily R
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Draper
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, University of Liverpool , Crown Street, Liverpool L69 7ZD, U.K.
authors.forename: Matthew
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Wallace
authors.affiliation: Large Scale Structures Group, Institut Laue-Langevin , 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS 20156, F-38042 Grenoble, CEDEX 9, France.
authors.forename: Ralf
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Schweins
authors.affiliation: School of Engineering, University of Liverpool , Brownlow Street, Liverpool L69 3GH, U.K.
authors.forename: Robert J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Poole
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, University of Glasgow , Glasgow G12 8QQ, U.K.
authors.forename: Dave J
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-3176-1350
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Adams