Robert Y. Lochhead, The University of Southern Mississippi

Key words: stimuli-responsive, thermal gelling, thermo-thickening, lower critical solution temperature, hydrophobically modified hydrophilic polymers

Abstract: This article reviews recent trends in thermally initiated stimuli-responsive materials and provides some insight into the physicochemical mechanisms that underpin this behavior.

Water-soluble polymers and thickeners continue to grow in market volume and diversity. Today there is a noticeable trend toward cosmetic applications that depend upon stimuli-responsive behavior that results in thermo-associative thickening at desired temperatures. This article reviews recent trends in thermally initiated stimuli-responsive materials and provides some insight into the physicochemical mechanisms that underpin this fascinating behavior.