title: Influence of network topology on the swelling of polyelectrolyte nanogels.
abstract: It is well-known that the swelling behavior of ionic nanogels depends on their cross-link density; however, it is unclear how different topologies should affect the response of the polyelectrolyte network. Here we perform Monte Carlo simulations to obtain the equilibrium properties of ionic nanogels as a function of salt concentration Cs and the fraction f of ionizable groups in a polyelectrolyte network formed by cross-links of functionality z. Our results indicate that the network with cross-links of low connectivity result in nanogel particles with higher swelling ratios. We also confirm a de-swelling effect of salt on nanogel particles.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Física, Universidade Federal de Viçosa, 36570-900 Viçosa, MG, Brazil.
authors.forename: L G
authors.initials: LG
authors.lastname: Rizzi
authors.affiliation: Instituto de Física, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, CP 15051, 91501-970 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Levin