Effect of temperature and pH on swelling behavior of hydroxyethyl cellullose-acrylamide hydrogel

Abstract

AbstractThe swelling behavior of hydroxyethyl cellulose-acrylamide hydrogels at different pH and temperatures was studied. The absorption increased for the first 12 hours and then decreased. Several hydroxyethyl cellulose-acrylamide ratios were studied. Increasing hydroxyethyl cellulose amount decreased swelling, indicating that swelling was affected by increase in crosslinking. Three different levels of crosslinking agent were studied. Hydrogels exhibited a thermal and pH sensitive behaviour. Highest swelling capacity was found at pH 7.0 and 30 °C. All samples were characterized by means of infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Characteristic absorbance peaks for both materials were found, showing the presence of hydroxyethyl cellulose and acrylamide on hydrogel.