Abstract:
A model of a cross-linked polyelectrolyte gel has been examined using Monte Carlo simulations. The simple model contained a charged defect-free network represented by linked charged beads and explicit counterions. Pressure-density relations for the polyelectrolyte gel, a corresponding non-ionic polymer gel, and several partly or fully degraded gels have been determined. The polyelectrolyte gel displayed a very large swelling capacity, in agreement with experiments. The swelling mechanism and chain properties are discussed and foundations of current theories on gel swelling are examined.
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Received 10 April 2002 and Received in final form 28 August 2002 Online publication 1 October 2002
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ID="a"e-mail: Stefanie.Schneider@fkem1.lu.se
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Schneider, S., Linse, P. Swelling of cross-linked polyelectrolyte gels. Eur. Phys. J. E 8 (Suppl 1), 457–460 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2002-10043-y
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1140/epje/i2002-10043-y