Diffusive and Electro-osmotic Swelling of Neutral and Ion-Containing Poly(ethylene glycol) Hydrogels.

ABSTRACT: This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the swelling behavior of poly-(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-based hydrogels of different molecular weights under various conditions. The rheological response and swelling kinetics of PEG hydrogels with molecular weight between cross-links ranging from 700 to 10 000 g/mol reveal the connection between architecture and material properties that are important for soft actuators. In addition to providing insight into the network structure and cross-linking density, rheological measurements find that the shear moduli of the networks increase with the degree of water swelling. Furthermore, the moving boundary of the gels during swelling, which is captured using a numerical model, is found to result in apparent super Case II water transport behavior. Final

SUBMITTER: Bowen SD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12409565 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature