Solute Uptake by Gels

The microdomain structure of novel two-phase hydrogels has been investigated using a variety of analytical techniques. It has been shown that these domains consist of side chains from the starting polymer which aggregate in such a way as to exclude water. In the presence of surfactant, these clusters incorporate surfactant monomer as well as side chain. The composition of these domains, specifically the number of side chains per cluster, influences the rheological properties of the networks. 

These microdomains are capable of solubilizing organic solutes permeating the gel to a greater extent than pure water, which is the primary component of the continuous phase of the gels. Thus, they may be of value in applications such as separations and wastewater treatment. 

Varelas CG, Steiner CA (1990) In Brannon-Peppas L, Harland RS (eds) Absorbent Polymer Technology. Elsevier, Amsterdam, p 259 

Varelas CG (1991) Structural analysis and applications of polymer networks formed from surface-active copolymers in aqueous solvents. Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Chemical Engineering, The City College of the City University of New York, New York 

Tuzar Z, Stepanek P, Konak C, Kratochvil P (1985) J Colloid Interface Sci 105 372 

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