Compatibilization of immiscible polymer networks through photopolymerization in a lyotropic liquid crystal

The self-assembled, nanoscale domains of a lyotropic liquid crystal are used as a compatibilizing platform for the simultaneous polymerization of immiscible hydrophilic and hydrophobic crosslinking monomers (see figure). The influence of the liquid crystal reduces phase separation, resulting in a material with properties similar to those of a highly compatible polymer blend.. The direct dependence of material properties on the composition of the crosslinking blend indicates the formation of a type of interpenetrating network.