Behavior of polyelectrolyte gels under the influence of d.c. electric and magnetic fields

The behavior of polyelectrolyte gels under the influence of combined electr ic and magnetic fields have been studied. The change of double electric lay er potential on the gel-solution interface has been measured. It has been s hown that the magnetic field considerably influences the rate of double ele ctric layer formation. The enhancement of electroinduced deformation and co llapse is also caused by additional action of the magnetic field. The quali tative interpretation of the observed phenomena is given from the diffusion theory point of view. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.