INS2-0154
Relaxation Dynamics of Complex Coacervate Core Hydrogel
Topic
S2. High-End Characterization/Polymer Physics/Properties
When and Where
Oct 1, 2026
14:25 - 14:50
Room 103
Session Chairs
Jeong Min JI
Presenter(s)
Soo-Hyung Choi (Hongik University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Coacervation is a liquid-liquid phase separation driven by intermolecular interactions in aqueous environments. Because coacervates exhibit a dynamic liquid-like interior, low interfacial tension, and stimuli-responsive behavior, they are promising for applications including adhesives, coatings, and delivery systems. Among these materials, complex coacervate core hydrogels (C3Hs) formed from oppositely charged block polyelectrolytes provide hydrated and responsive cores with highly tunable structures and mechanics. However, the molecular origins of relaxation in coacervate-based hydrogels remain poorly understood. In this study, model C3H systems are used to investigate the relaxation behavior of spherical coacervate cores. Structural characterization by small-angle X-ray scattering is combined with rheological measurements to examine how coacervate core dynamics and charge block length asymmetry affect network relaxation. The results show that molecular architecture controls both the structural organization and viscosity of the coacervate core, which in turn governs the relaxation time of the hydrogel network. These findings establish core viscosity and block asymmetry as key molecular design parameters for programming relaxation in C3Hs, offering a practical framework for designing coacervate-based soft materials with targeted mechanical performance.
