Equilibrium and dynamic swelling of polyacrylates

Polyacrylates were prepared by solution polymerization of partially neutralized acrylic acid at 37 degrees C. The swelling behavior of the polyacrylates was examined using equilibrium and dynamic swelling studies. Equilibrium swelling studies in deionized water were used to determine the molecular weight between crosslinks using the Flory-Rehner theory. The amount of crosslinking agent incorporated into the network was a function of the nominal crosslinking ratio. Dynamic swelling studies in saline solutions were used to investigate the initial swelling rate for the polyacrylates. Swelling studies of the polyacrylates in saline solutions under load were used to elucidate the degree of swelling under load, the compliance, and sample elasticity.