Bulk modulus of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels through the swelling transition

We report measurements of the bulk modulus of individual poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels along their swelling transition. The modulus is determined by measuring the volume deformation of the microgel as a function of osmotic pressure using dextran solutions. We find that the modulus softens th...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysical review. E, Statistical, nonlinear, and soft matter physics Vol. 84; no. 1 Pt 1; p. 011406
Main Authors Sierra-Martín, B, Laporte, Y, South, A B, Lyon, L A, Fernández-Nieves, A
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 01.07.2011
Subjects
Acrylamides - chemistry
Acrylic Resins
Biophysics - methods
Cross-Linking Reagents - chemistry
Dextrans - chemistry
Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
Elastic Modulus
Elasticity
Free Radicals
Gels
Osmosis
Physics - methods
Polymers - chemistry
Pressure
Rheology
Solvents - chemistry
Temperature
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Summary:We report measurements of the bulk modulus of individual poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) microgels along their swelling transition. The modulus is determined by measuring the volume deformation of the microgel as a function of osmotic pressure using dextran solutions. We find that the modulus softens through the transition, displaying a nonmonotonous behavior with temperature. This feature is correctly reproduced by the theory of Flory for polymer gels, once the concentration dependence of the solvency parameter is properly incorporated.
ISSN:1550-2376
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevE.84.011406