Swelling behavior of hpc hydrogel in salt solutions
Abstract
The swelling behavior of hydroxypropyl cellulose (hpc) hydrogel in varying concentrations of NaCl and KCl solutions is investigated along with the subsequent reswelling behavior in pure water. The time to equilibrium and the equilibrium masses of the samples are determined. Also investigated is the samples' turbidity as a function of temperature. Samples were placed in NaCl concentrations ranging from 1.5M to 3.0M and in KCl concentrations ranging from 1.5M to 4.0M. Over time, the gels shrink, approaching an equilibrium point. Gel samples in the lower concentration solutions were more affected by changes in room temperature. Samples in the higher concentrations approached eauilibrium more quickly, and equilibrium masses for samples in the 2.0M to 2.5M range were lowest. The reswelling of the gel samples in pure water occured much more quickly than did the deswelling in the salt solutions.
- Publication:
-
APS Texas Sections Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- October 2000
- Bibcode:
- 2000APS..TSF.C2008M