Diffusion coefficient of solute in heterogeneous and macroporous hydrogels and its correlation with the effective crosslinking density

In this study, the effective crosslinking density, νe, was determined from the rubber network theory using compression tests, and was applied as a model parameter for the characterization of the polymer networks and gel structures. It was subsequently examined to estimate Dg for various types of gels, including heterogeneous and macroporous gels. The Dg values of NaCl and trisodium citrate were determined with a permeability test using the gel membrane. The diffusion of the solute in all the tested gels was accurately represented by both conventional (Dg/D0 = exp(-kϕpn)) and novel (Dg/D0 = exp(-aνeb)) models.Graphical abstract
Source: Journal of Membrane Science - Category: Materials Science Source Type: research