What are the disadvantages of smart polymers?

What are the disadvantages of smart polymers?

In spite of these advantages several drawbacks associated with these systems include high-burst drug release, low mechanical strength of the gel leading to potential dose-dumping, lack of biocompatibility of the polymeric system and gradual lowering of pH of the system due to acidic degradation14, 15.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of polymer?

They have relatively low melting and degradation temperatures, so this can be a limit for use at high temperatures. Some polymers can degrade on sunlight and some radiations. Strength and hardness are low compared with ceramics and metals. Modulus of elasticity or stiffness is generally low in polymers.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using synthetic polymers?

They have always made life easier and more convenient in hundreds of different ways, but they also have a downside. They are not free from disadvantages. The raw materials used to produce them can get extinct, and disposing of synthetic polymers is a very difficult and time-consuming task.

What are some negative applications of polymers?

Plastic bags, tires, disposable cups, plastic straws, PET bottles are some examples of how polymers have had a negative impact to the environment generating pressures around the world to rethink their uses.

What are the major functions of smart polymers?

Smart polymers, also known as stimuli-responsive polymers or intelligent materials, appear in highly specialized items, and everyday things. Their uses include sensors and actuators like artificial muscles; production of hydrogels; biodegradable packaging; and in biomedical engineering.

What are examples of smart polymers?

Examples of smart polymers are those that undergo rapid, reversible phase changes in response to small changes in environmental conditions. Ista and Lopez employed poly(N-isopropylacryl-amide) (PNIPAAM), a polymer that is soluble in water below, but insoluble above, 32°C.

What are some advantages of polymers as structural materials?

Superior strength in weight performance, corrosion resistance, environmental stability, insulation properties, lower cost are the main properties of polymer based building materials.

What are pros and cons of synthetic materials?

What are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Synthetic Fibres

• Most synthetic fibres have good elasticity.
• Most fabrics made of synthetic fibres do not wrinkle easily.
• Fabrics made of synthetic fibres are generally more durable, less expensive, and more readily available than those made of natural fibres.

What are the cons of polymers?

Cannot withstand very high temperature as all plastics melt down very soon as compared to metals. The strength to size ratio of polymer is less while for metals is more. Cannot be machined easily and limited speed for machining for it.

Are there good polymers and bad polymers?

Most polymers are safe and non-toxic. That’s good. The monomers that are used to make polymers, though, are often toxic or stinky. That means that the companies that make polymers need to be very careful not to let the monomers get out before they’re made into polymers.

What are the problems with polymers?

Most polymers, including poly(ethene) and poly(propene) are not biodegradable . This means that microorganisms cannot break them down, so they: cause a litter problem if disposed of carelessly. last for many years in landfill sites.

What are the disadvantages of polymer over metal?

Disadvantages. Cannot withstand very high temperature as all plastics melt down very soon as compared to metals. The strength to size ratio of polymer is less while for metals is more. Cannot be machined easily and limited speed for machining for it. Heat capacity of polymer is very less so cannot be used in heat applications.

What are the characteristics of a smart polymer?

Critical attributes of a smart polymer should include: biodegradability and biocompatibility; controlled release profile; high drug loading capacity; lack of detrimental properties such as systemic toxicity, immunogenicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity, and an excellent stability profile. 3. Temperature-responsive polymers

How are smart polymers used in drug delivery?

Smart polymers have enormous potential in various applications. In particular, smart polymeric drug delivery systems have been explored as “intelligent” delivery systems able to release, at the appropriate time and site of action, entrapped drugs in response to specific physiological triggers.

Why are smart polymers important in the biomedical field?

Smart polymers are becoming increasingly important in the fields of controlled drug delivery, biomedical applications, and tissue engineering, and it is often beneficial to employ polymers that can respond to stimuli which are inherently present in natural systems.