Heterogeneities in polyacrylamide gels immersed in acetone-water mixtures


Okay O., Akkan U.

POLYMER BULLETIN, vol.41, no.3, pp.363-370, 1998 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 41 Issue: 3
  • Publication Date: 1998
  • Doi Number: 10.1007/s002890050375
  • Journal Name: POLYMER BULLETIN
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.363-370
  • Kocaeli University Affiliated: No

Abstract

Immersion of polyacrylamide gels in acetone-water mixtures with a high content of acetone leads to the formation of heterogeneous structures. The extent of heterogeneity increases as the initial swelling degree of the gel increases, or, as the polarity of the nonsolvent decreases. The nature of the deswelling curves indicates that the polymer-rich regions of the gel formed by the collapse transition block the solvent diffusion outside the gel. This prevents the equilibration of the gel volume with surroundings.