Swelling Behavior and Elastic Properties of Ionic Hydrogels

Abstract

The swelling of ionic hydrogels in aqueous salt solutions as well as the elastic properties of such gels are discussed on the basis of molecular thermodynamics. The major factors governing the swelling equilibrium are identified and judged with respect to their significance. It is shown that the use of non-Gaussian chain statistics is indispensable in order that the model calculations shall agree with basic experimental observations.