Preparation and mechanical characterization of a PNIPA hydrogel composite.
A poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPA) hydrogel was synthesized by free radical polymerization and reinforced with a polyurethane foam to make a hydrogel composite. The temperature dependence of the elastic modulus of the PNIPA hydrogel and the composite due to volume phase transition was found using a uniaxial compression test, and the swelling property was investigated using an equilibrium swelling ratio experiment. The gel composite preserves the ability to undergo the volume phase transition and its elastic modulus has strong temperature dependence. The temperature dependence of the elastic modulus and swelling ratio of the gel composite were compared to the PNIPA hydrogel. Not surprisingly, the modulus and swelling ratio of the composite were less dramatic than in the gel.
Liu
Kaifeng
K
Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556, USA.
Ovaert
Timothy C
TC
Mason
James J
JJ
D000178:Acrylamides / Q000737:chemistry*; D000180:Acrylic Resins; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D019245:Compressive Strength; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents / Q000737:chemistry; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005609:Free Radicals; D005782:Gels; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry; D008422:Materials Testing; D044367:Phase Transition; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D011140:Polyurethanes / Q000737:chemistry; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013696:Temperature
D000178:Acrylamides; D000180:Acrylic Resins; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D003432:Cross-Linking Reagents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D005609:Free Radicals; D005782:Gels; D020100:Hydrogels; D011108:Polymers; D011140:Polyurethanes; C052970:poly-N-isopropylacrylamide; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols