Hydrogels of Gelatin-Sodium Carboxymethyl Cellulose: Synthesis and Swelling Kinetics

Abstract

Abstract Hydrogels of gelatin crosslinked with glutaraldehyde and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) of several compositions were prepared. The swelling kinetics as a function of composition, temperature. pH, and ionic strength was studied. The rate of swelling and equilibrium swelling were found to depend on the NaCMC content in all cases. The equilibrium swelling increased with the temperature. The gels, which were weakly acidic, registered increased swelling at higher pH. Swelling was suppressed in aqueous salt solutions. In agreement with predictions of the Donnan theory, swelling in monovalent salt solutions is greater than in divalent salt solutions.