A new apparatus for the characterization of the swelling behavior of micro-gel particles

Full Paper: A new apparatus is described allowing the determination of the volume degree of swelling of micro-particles as a function of time by on-li ne detection. The tested superabsorbent materials show anomalous diffusion and may be characterized by the rate of swelling and their maximum swelling capacity. The effect of external pressure and different solvents on the sw elling of the micro-particles is discussed. The developed volumetric method is compared with a gravimetric one. Schematic representation of the develo ped swelling apparatus. Schematic representation of the developed swelling apparatus. [GRAPHICS]