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Frequently Asked Question
Questions asked by users might not always be phrased in the clearest way.
What are “hydrogels”? What types of polymers are normally used in hydrogels? How do you determine the degree of swelling?
Accepted Answer
Hydrogels are cross-linked polymer networks that can absorb and retain large amounts of water. They are often used in applications like drug delivery, tissue engineering, and contact lenses.
Commonly used polymers in hydrogels include:
Natural polymers: These include polysaccharides like alginate, chitosan, and hyaluronic acid, as well as proteins like collagen and gelatin.
Synthetic polymers: These include poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG), poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA).
The degree of swelling in a hydrogel is determined by the equilibrium swelling ratio, which is the ratio of the mass of the swollen hydrogel to the mass of the dry hydrogel. The equilibrium swelling ratio is influenced by factors like the cross-linking density, the polymer structure, and the solvent properties.
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