Abstract
The synthesis and swelling response of some novel hydrogels in different swelling media have been studied for some specialty applications. Hydroxypropylcellulose based networks with methacrylamide have been synthesised in aqueous media in the presence of N,N – methylene bisacrylamide by simultaneous gamma ray initiation. Reaction conditions such as total dose of radiation, amount of water and concentrations of monomer and crosslinker have been evaluated for optimum network yield. Employing these conditions, networks of cellulose and its other derivatives have also been synthesised with methacrylamide. Resulting networks have been characterised for structural aspects by elemental analysis, FTIR and scanning electron micrography. The swelling behaviour of networks has been studied as a function of the synthetic reaction conditions, the nature of polymeric backbones and the nature of the swelling medium (water, 0.5M NaOH, 0.5MHCl and 5.0%NaCl). The equilibrium swelling is a function of both structural and environmental factors as hydrogels respond smartly to the environment.