Swelling Analysis of Hydrogels
Hydrogels have a three-dimensional network structure composed of a polymer and a solvent (generally water), so they show a significant swelling behavior in water, that is, the hydrogel swells in water without dissolving. Because of the presence of hydrophilic groups and the electrostatic repulsion of the amphiprotic groups in the polymeric chains, the water molecules are absorbed into the three-dimensional network structure in the swelling process, resulting in the extrusion of polymeric chains and a thermodynamic swelling force of the polymeric chains being balanced. The change of water absorption impacts the mechanical properties of hydrogels. Thus, swelling analysis is necessary for hydrogel applications. Alfa Chemistry is familiar with the principle of hydrogel swelling, and we are able to provide consumers with professional swelling analysis services for various hydrogels.
Analysis Methods
The swelling ratio (SR) or swelling degree or swelling rate is an important parameter in hydrogel characterization, which can reflect the water absorption capacity of hydrogels. SR is related to the local structure of hydrogels and is mostly affected by pH, ionic strength, temperature and hydrophobicity. For example, hydrogels containing more hydrophilic groups expand more than hydrogels containing hydrophobic groups. Calculation of the swelling ratio of hydrogels is valuable for controlling the release systems used in the biomedical, agricultural, and cosmetic fields. Alfa Chemistry provides consumers with professional swelling analysis services for hydrogels using the most common analysis methods, that is, the weighing method. This method determines the SR by comparing the dry hydrogel mass to the wet hydrogel mass and is defined as:
Among them, Mwet and Mdry represent the weight of swollen and dried hydrogels, respectively. Figure 1. shows the structure of a hydrogel before (nonswollen) and after absorption of water (swollen).
Figure 1. Schematic of the dry hydrogel (non-swollen, left) and wet hydrogel after absorption of water (swollen, right).
Our Advantages
- We offer swelling analysis for a wide range of hydrogels, ranging from pure hydrogels to composite hydrogels.
- We have a reliable analysis method to ensure the accuracy of hydrogel swelling data.
- We provide flexible and targeted technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to reduce your time costs.
- We offer a complete analysis report, including method interpretation, data, result files and other information you need.
Service Process
Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.
