Effect of Polymer Concentration on Structure and Rheology of Poly (Sodium Acrylate) Hydrogels

Abstract

Hydrogels are three dimensional crosslinked polymer networks that are usually swollen in a solvent and also can absorb substantial amount of water. In the present study we have seen the effect of polymer concentration on the rheological properties of poly (sodium acrylate) hydrogels. By rheology it was seen that till polymer concentration of 25 wt% was used, the elasticity as well as the strength of the hydrogel increased after which the value saturated. The loss modulus determined also followed a similar trend but when the polymer concentration was beyond 25wt% a marginal drop was observed. The mechanical spectra of the prepared hydrogels showed the characteristics of a strong gel. Complex viscosity of the hydrogels was also evaluated by experiments which also showed characteristics as same as the mechanical spectra.