PNIPAM
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)
Glass Transition (Tg)
130–140 °C
Melting Point (Tm)
— (amorphous)
Density
~1.1 g/cm³
CAS Number
25189-55-3
Recycling Code
None
Category
Functional & Smart
Repeat Unit
–[CH₂–CH(CONHCH(CH₃)₂)]ₙ–
The repeating unit is the smallest structural fragment whose repetition builds the whole chain. Subscripts show the relative share of each unit in copolymers.
Key Properties
The classic thermoresponsive polymer: sharp LCST at ~32 °C — just below body temperature — causes reversible coil-to-globule collapse and gel deswelling.
Applications
Smart drug release, cell-sheet engineering, sensors, actuators.