Macromolecules, Vol.27, No.11, 2965-2973, 1994
Pore-Size Distributions of Cationic Polyacrylamide Hydrogels Varying in Initial Monomer Concentration and Cross-Linker - Monomer Ratio
Pore-size distributions have been measured for cationic acrylamide-based hydrogels. We use the experimental mixed-solute-exclusion method, MSE (introduced by Kuga), to obtain the solute-exclusion curve representing the amount of imbibed liquid inside the gel inaccessible for a solute of radius r. We use the Brownian motion model (developed by Cassasa) to convert the size-exclusion curve into the pore-size distribution, which gives the frequency of pore radius R as a function of R. This theoretically-based interpretation of MSE data leads to the Fredholm integral equation that we solve numerically. Results are reported for a series of hydrogels containing acrylamide and 3% MAPTAC; the hydrogels differed in extent of cross-linking and/or initial concentration of monomer. Pore-size distributions shift to lower pore sizes with rising initial monomer concentration and with rising cross-linker-to-monomer ratio.