POS4-0729
Complex Coacervate Core Glycogels Formed by ABA Triblock Copolymers
Topic
S4. Colloids, Interfaces, and Molecular Assemblies for Functional Soft Materials
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
08:30 - 09:30
Room 301 (Grand Ballroom)
Session Chairs
Heesuk KIM
Jinhye BAE
Presenter(s)
Alphonse Kodjo Abotsi-Djogbessi (Hongik University)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Complex coacervate core hydrogels (C3Hs) are dynamic physically crosslinked networks with tunable viscoelasticity and self-healing capability, but their practical use is limited by water volatility. Here, we report nonvolatile complex coacervate core glycogels formed from ABA triblock copolymers in 1,3-butylene glycol (BG). The triblock copolymer consists of oppositely charged ammonium and sulfonate-bearing A blocks and a poly(ethylene oxide) B block. Reproducible glycogels were prepared by first forming hydrogels and subsequently introducing BG, allowing solvent exchange while preserving the coacervate micellar network. The role of residual water was examined by varying the water/BG ratio. Small-angle X-ray scattering confirmed the formation of coacervates micellar cores across the investigated compositions and revealed substantially reduced solvent content within glycogel cores compared with conventional hydrogels. Rheology showed that relaxation was strongly suppressed in BG-rich glycogels but became progressively faster with increasing water content, suggesting that water promotes chain exchange from the coacervate cores. The glycogels also exhibited improved tensile properties relative to the corresponding hydrogels, indicating enhanced mechanical stability after BG exchange. In addition, fractured glycogels could be healed upon water exposure, demonstrating the reversible and water-responsive nature of the coacervate crosslinks. These findings establish coacervate core glycogels as nonvolatile, mechanically robust, and water-healable soft materials, while identifying solvent composition as a key parameter for regulating their structure and dynamics.
