Gelation Process and Mechanical Properties of Polymer Gels with Well-Defined Network Structure

For the application of polymer gels, it is necessary to control their various physical properties independently and precisely. However, the heterogeneity of polymer gels hinders the precise control over the network structures, as well as verification of molecular models. To understand the structure-property relationship of polymer gels, I have developed a novel polymer gel with regular network structure (Tetra-PEG gel). In this review, I introduce our achievements for the fundamental properties of polymer gels, and show one of the medical applications for the artificial vitreous body using the Tetra-PEG gel, the Oligo-Tetra-PEG gel system.