QUANTITATIVE-ANALYSIS ON SWELLING BEHAVIOR OF HSMA PVA IPN IONIC GELSUNDER ELECTRIC-FIELD

In order to explain the electric response of HSMA/PVA IPN ionic gel, p olyion concentration (f) and/or interaction parameter (chi(ij)) betwee n gel and water are used, which were previously determined elsewhere b y comparing swelling behaviours in the mixed solvents with Tanaka's th eory [1]. Ionic polymer gel separated from the electrodes exhibits exp onential responses when the electric field is applied or stopped, wher e the characteristic times for swelling and shrinking and equilibrium swelling ratio are successfully correlated with polyion concentration or interaction parameter. In addition, the strength of field is also a n important factor to determine the overall responses. The direction o f gel with respect to the electric field is also considered and optimu m size was apparent to show maximum swelling.