Transparent and semi-interpenetrating network P(vinyl alcohol)- P(Acrylic acid) hydrogels: pH responsive and electroactive application

• Published in: International journal of smart and nano materials Vol. 8; no. 2-3; pp. 80 - 94
• Main Authors: Jayaramudu, Tippabattini, Ko, Hyun-U, Kim, Hyun Chan, Kim, Jung Woong, Li, Yaguang, Kim, Jaehwan
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis 03.07.2017; Taylor & Francis Ltd; Taylor & Francis Group
• Subjects: Acrylic acid; Acrylics; Alcohol; Compression tests; Crystal structure; Deionization; Dimethyl sulfoxide; Electric potential; Electroactive behaviour; Free radical polymerization; Freeze-thaw; Freeze-thaw technique; Hydrogels; Infrared spectroscopy; Polymerization; Semi-IPN hydrogel; Spectroscopic analysis; Spectrum analysis; Stability analysis; Thermal stability; Thermogravimetric analysis; Transparent hydrogel
• ISSN: 1947-5411; 1947-542X
• DOI: 10.1080/19475411.2017.1335247

In this paper, poly(vinyl alcohol)-poly(acrylic acid) based transparent semi-interpenetrating network (semi-IPN) hydrogels were synthesized by using a solvent mixture of dimethyl sulfoxide and deionized water via free radical polymerization and subsequent freeze-thaw technique. The formation of the semi-IPN hydrogels was conformed from FT-IR spectra. The acrylic acid concentration effect on the hydrogels was investigated in terms of transparency, crystalline structure and thermal stability by using UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analysis. Swelling behaviours of the semi-IPNPAP hydrogels were studied in deionized water and different pH solutions. The compression and electroactive behaviour was tested in fully hydrated stage by using compression test and by applying electrical voltage. The hydrogels showed displacements under the applying voltage and detailed experiment is illustrated.