Swelling of cross-linked polyelectrolyte gels.
A model of a cross-linked polyelectrolyte gel has been examined using Monte Carlo simulations. The simple model contained a charged defect-free network represented by linked charged beads and explicit counterions. Pressure-density relations for the polyelectrolyte gel, a corresponding non-ionic polymer gel, and several partly or fully degraded gels have been determined. The polyelectrolyte gel displayed a very large swelling capacity, in agreement with experiments. The swelling mechanism and chain properties are discussed and foundations of current theories on gel swelling are examined.
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Physical Chemistry 1, Center for Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Lund University, PO Box 124, S-221 00 Lund, Sweden. Stefanie.Schneider@fkem1.lu.se
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