WATER SORPTION IN CELLULOSE-BASED HYDROGELS

Sorption of distilled water in a cellulose-based hydrogel is presented . The examined system is based on a mixture of sodium salt of carboxym ethylcellulose and hydroxyethylcellulose, crosslinked with divinilsulp hone. The effect of chemical composition, manufacturing procedures, as well as desiccation protocols on equilibrium water uptake was investi gated. Experimental results were interpreted in terms of crosslinking density, presence of ionic groups on the backbone, as well as macrosco pic sample morphology detected by electron scanning microscopy. The re ported results evidence the possibility to bias the process parameters in order to obtain hydrogels characterized by the desired water sorpt ion levels. (C) 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.