Preparation of comb‐type grafted hydrogels composed of polyacrylamide and chitosan and their use for DNA adsorption

Comb‐type grafted hydrogels composed of polyacrylamide (PAAm) and chitosan (CT) were prepared and used for DNA adsorption. Instead of direct grafting of the acrylamide monomer onto the CT chain, semitelechelic PAAm with carboxylic acid end groups (PAAm–COOH) was synthesized by free‐radical polymerization with mercaptoacetic acid as the chain‐transfer agent, and it was grafted onto CT with amino groups. The synthesis of telechelic PAAm–COOH and the formation of comb‐type grafted hydrogels were confirmed by attenuated total reflectance/Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy measurements. The prepared comb‐type grafted hydrogels were used as sorbents in DNA adsorption experiments conducted at +4°C in a tris(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane/ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid solution of pH 7.4. DNA adsorption capacities as high as 2.0 × 10³ μg of DNA/g of dry gel could be achieved by the comb‐type hydrogels with higher PAAm contents. This value was approximately 6 times higher than that of CT alone. In addition, the comb‐type hydrogels showed a high adsorption/desorption rate depending on the PAAm content in the hydrogel. As a result, these comb‐type hydrogels carrying higher amounts of DNA may be considered good candidates for achieving higher removal rates for anti‐DNA antibodies and for effective gene therapy systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Covalent grafting of polyacrylamide-based hydrogels to a polypropylene surface activated with functional polyperoxide

Polyacrylamide (PAAm)-based hydrogels covalently bonded to a polypropylene (PP) substrate have been synthesized using modification of the PP with a new functional polyperoxide (FPP). The FPP initiates radical polymerization from the PP’s surface by decomposing the peroxide groups. Two different approaches for forming the hydrogel network have been used. In the first, a grafted hydrogel network is formed by radical polymerization of the acrylamide on the peroxidized PP substrate (“grafting from”) in the presence of N,N′-methylene-bis-acrylamide (a cross-linking agent) and potassium persulfate (an additional initiator in bulk). In the second approach, a grafted hydrogel network is synthesized by: (i) grafting the PAAm macromolecules from the peroxidized PP substrate and (ii) following intermolecular condensation of the surface-grafted PAAm and adding to the reactive bulk PAAm and poly-N-(hydroxymethyl)acrylamide (used as a cross-linking macromolecule), resulting in the formation of a hydrogel network grafted to the PP substrate.The covalent attachment of hydrogel networks has been verified for both approaches by contact angle measurements, dye adsorption by the hydrogel residues after network removal and extraction, and mechanical failure tests. The intermolecular condensation method has been found to be more advantageous for the formation of covalently bonded hydrogels on the PP substrate, while grafted network formation by radical polymerization was detected only for a limited range of monomer and cross-linking agent concentrations.     

Poly(acrylamide/laponite) nanocomposite hydrogels: Swelling and cationic dye adsorption properties

Super adsorbent polyacrylamide (PAAm)/nanoclay (laponite, Lap) hydrogels were prepared by in situ free radical polymerization of AAm in an aqueous solution with clay as a crosslinker. The swelling properties and water‐soluble cationic dye adsorption behaviors of the PAAm/laponite (PAAm/Lap) nanocomposite (NC) hydrogels were investigated. The parameters of swelling and diffusion of water in dye solutions were evaluated for the PAAm/Lap NC hydrogels. The adsorption behavior of the monovalent cationic dyes such as Basic Blue 12 (BB 12), Basic Blue 9 (BB 9), and Basic Violet 1 (BV 1), were studied on the NC hydrogels. The effects of the clay content of the hydrogel on its cationic dye uptake behavior were studied. The adsorption studies indicated that the rates of dye uptake by the NC hydrogels increased in the following order: BB 9 > BB 12 > BV 1. This order is similar to the swelling results of the PAAm/Lap NC hydrogel in the dye solutions. The equilibrium uptakes of the different dyes by the PAAm/Lap NC hydrogel were nearly the same. In the dye absorption studies, S‐type adsorption in the Giles classification system was found for the BB 12 and BV 1 dyes, whereas L ‐type was observed for the BB 9 dye. After the heat treatment of PAAm/Lap, the rate of dye uptake and equilibrium dye uptake were increased. The NC hydrogels may be considered as a good candidate for environmental applications to retain more water and to remove dyes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Equilibrium Swelling Characterization and Dye Uptake Studies of Acrylamide-co-Methylenesuccinic Acid Hydrogels and Semi-IPNs with PEG

A novel semi-interpenetrating network hydrogel, composed of acrylamide with methylenesuccinic acid as comonomer, with poly (ethylene glycol) and trimethylolpropane triacrylate was prepared. Highly swollen hydrogels were synthesized by free radical polymerization. Swelling experiments were performed in water and dye solutions at 25°C. The hydrogels were used in experiments on sorption of Basic Blue 12. Water and Basic Blue 12 diffusion into hydrogels was found to be non-Fickian in character. For sorption of BB 12 into the hydrogels was studied by batch sorption technique at 25°C. The adsorption capacity, removal effiency and partition coefficient of the hydrogels was investigated.     

Removal of paraquat pesticide from aqueous solutions using a novel adsorbent material based on polyacrylamide and methylcellulose hydrogels

This research studied the characteristics of poly(acrylamide) and methylcellulose (PAAm‐MC) hydrogels as a novel adsorbent material for removal of pesticide paraquat, from aqueous solution, with potential applications in curbing environmental risk from such herbicides. PAAm‐MC hydrogels with different acrylamide (AAm) and MC concentrations were prepared by a free‐radical polymerization method. The capability of the hydrogels in removing paraquat dichloride from aqueous solution was determined using UV–Vis analysis. The scanning electron microscopy method was used to study the morphological properties of the hydrogels, and swelling degree (Q) of the hydrogels was also measured. The entrapped MC in PAAm chains provoked significant changes in morphological, hydrophilic, and adsorption properties of the PAAm‐MC hydrogels. The adsorption capacity of hydrogels was strongly influenced by AAm, MC, and paraquat concentrations with the highest adsorption capacity (q_eq = 14.3 mg g^?1) was observed for hydrogels synthesized with 6.0% AAm with 0.75% MC swollen in 45.7 mg L^?1 of paraquat solution. Freundlich model performed better than Langmuir model in describing the adsorption isotherm of PAAm‐MC/paraquat system, implying a heterogeneous surface. These results suggest that PAAm‐MC hydrogels are potentially viable absorbents for removal of paraquat pesticide from aqueous solution and cleaning water contaminated with dyes, heavy metals, and others pesticides. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Journal of Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Physicochemical and morphological properties of poly(acrylamide) and methylcellulose hydrogels: Effects of monomer,crosslinker and polysaccharide compositions

This article describes the physicochemical (mechanical and swelling) and morphological characterization of poly(acrylamide) and methylcellulose (PAAm‐MC) hydrogels synthesized with different formulations by the free radical polymerization method. The structure‐property relationship of the PAAm‐MC hydrogels is very important for application of these materials in different fields. Results showed that the properties of the PAAm‐MC hydrogels can be controlled by varying the acrylamide (AAm) and N′,N‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide (MBAAm) concentrations and methylcellulose (MC) content. Increase of AAm and MBAAm concentrations causes a pronounced decrease in swelling degree (SD) values and porosity, and an increase in mechanical properties. Increasing the MC concentration caused an increase in SD values and porosity, but decrease in maximum load and modulus of elasticity because of the increase in the hydrogel hydrophilicity due to incorporation of hydroxyl groups from MC chains. PAAm‐MC hydrogels are excellent candidates for several applications, such as matrices for cell transplantation, controlled release (agrochemicals and drugs), tissue repair and regeneration. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2009. © 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A New Sorbent Chemically Cross-linked Highly Swollen Copolymeric Hydrogels for Dye Uptake

Water uptake and the sorption properties of polyelectrolyte hydrogels made by the polymerization of acrylamide (AAm) with maleic acid (MA) were investigated as a function of composition to find materials with swelling and dye sorption properties. Highly swollen acrylamide/maleic acid (AAm/MA) hydrogels were prepared by free radical solution polymerization in aqueous solutions of AAm with MA as comonomer and two multifunctional cross-linkers such as trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and 1,4-butanediol dimethacrylate (BDMA). Swelling experiments were performed in water at 25°C, gravimetrically. Chemically cross-linked AAm/MA hydrogels were used in experiments on sorption of water-soluble monovalent cationic dyes such as “Nil blue” (NB) and “Methyl violet (MV)”. Weight-swelling ratio values of AAm/MA hydrogels were calculated range 8.88–61.46. Some swelling kinetic parameters were found. Diffusion behavior of water and water sorption rate constant were investigated. Water diffusion into hydrogels was found to be non-Fickian in character. For sorption of cationic dyes, NB and MV into AAm/MA hydrogels were studied by batch sorption technique at 25°C. AAm/MA hydrogels in the dye solutions showed coloration. However, the AAm hydrogel did not show sorption of any dye from solution. The amount of the dye sorbed per unit mass of AAm/MA hydrogels was investigated.     

A versatile approach to develop porous hydrogels with a regular pore distribution and investigation of their physicomechanical properties

Porous polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels with enhanced mechanical properties and regular pore distribution have been synthesized by a unique and facile methodology, which involves formation of the hydrogel pores by leaching out chemically modified silica particles. To improve the pore distribution and mechanical properties of the hydrogel network, porogen particles have been modified with PAAm chains chemically attached to the silica surface. Grafting polymerization initiated by peroxide groups immobilized on the particle surface has been used for this modification. The grafted PAAm layer on the silica surface improves the dispersibility of the porogen material in the hydrogel composition, and simultaneously forms pore “walls” reinforcing the hydrogel network, after leaching out the silica particles. The proposed synthetic way for the development of porous hydrogels includes three steps: (i) tethering of PAAm chains to silica particles due to the grafting polymerization initiated by an adsorbed polyperoxide macroinitiator (PPM), (ii) simultaneous crosslinking of grafted PAAm chains and PAAm forming hydrogel network, and (iii) pore formation by leaching out silica particles in the presence of hydrofluoric acid. The PPM has been synthesized by a free radical copolymerization of the peroxide monomer (PM) N‐(tert‐butylperoxymethyl)acrylamide with acrylamide. Both PM and PPM have been developed in our lab, and applied for the synthesis of porous polymeric hydrogels. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Behaviors of polyelectrolyte AAm/AMPS/bentonite composite hydrogels in uptake of uranyl ions from aqueous solutions

Uranyl ion (UO₂²⁺) sorption properties of polyelectrolyte composite hydrogels made by the polymerization of acrylamide (AAm) with 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and clay such as bentonite (Bent) were investigated as a function of composition to find materials with swelling and uranyl ion sorption properties. Highly swollen AAm/AMPS hydrogels and AAm/AMPS/Bent composite hydrogels were prepared by free radical solution polymerization in aqueous solutions of AAm with AMPS as co‐monomer and two multifunctional crosslinkers such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and 1,4 butanediol dimethacrylate (BDMA). Swelling experiments were performed in water at 25°C, gravimetrically. The influence of AMPS content in hydrogels was examined. Uranyl ion adsorption from aqueous solutions was studied by batch sorption technique at 25°C. The effect of uranyl ion concentration and mass of AMPS on the uranyl ion adsorption were examined. Finally, adsorption capacity (the amount of sorbed uranyl ion per gram of dry hydrogel) (q) was calculated to be 0.67 × 10⁻³–2.11 × 10⁻³ mol uranyl ion per gram for the hydrogels. Removal effiency of uranyl ions (RE%) was changed range 9.05–29.92%. The values of partition ratio (K_d) of uranyl ions was calculated to be 0.10–0.43 for AAm/AMPS hydrogels and AAm/AMPS/Bent composite hydrogels, respectively. POLYM. COMPOS., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

A new composite sorbent for water and dye uptake: Highly swollen acrylamide/2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid/clay hydrogels crosslinked by 1,4‐butanediol dimethacrylate

A novel type of highly swollen hydrogels based on acrylamide (AAm) with 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propanesulfonic acid (AMPS) and clay such as bentonite (Bent) crosslinked by 1,4‐butanediol dimethacrylate (BDMA) was prepared by free radical solution polymerization in aqueous media. Water uptake and dye sorption properties of polyelectrolyte AAm/AMPS hydrogels and AAm/AMPS/Bent composite hydrogels were investigated as a function of composition to find materials with swelling and sorption properties. FTIR analyses were made. Swelling experiments were performed in water and dye solution at 25°C, gravimetrically. Highly swollen AAm/AMPS and AAm/AMPS/Bent hydrogels were used in experiments on sorption of water‐soluble monovalent cationic dye such as Lauths violet “LV, (Thionin).” Swelling of AAm/AMPS hydrogels was increased up to 1,920–9,222% in water and 867–4,644% in LV solutions, while AAm hydrogels swelled 905% in water and swelling of AAm/AMPS/Bent hydrogels was increased up to 2,756–10,422% in water and 1,200–3,332% in LV solutions, while AAm/Bent hydrogels swelled 849% in water. Some swelling kinetic and diffusional parameters were found. Water and LV diffusion into hydrogels was found to be non‐Fickian in character. For sorption of cationic dye, LV into AAm/AMPS and AAm/AMPS/Bent hydrogel was studied by batch sorption technique at 25°C. The amount of the dye sorbed per unit mass removal effiency and partition coefficient of the hydrogels was investigated. The influence of AMPS content in the hydrogels to sorption was examined. POLYM. COMPOS., 2009. © 2008 Society of Plastics Engineers     

The Removal of Textile Dyes with Cross-Linked Chitosan-Poly(acrylamide) Adsorbent Hydrogels

This study examined the behaviors and mechanisms of chitosan (CS)-poly(acrylamide) (PAAM) full interpenetrating polymeric network (IPN) hydrogels as an adsorbent to remove EY-4GL and S-Blue textile dyes from an aqueous solution. CS-PAAM IPN hydrogels were prepared by acrylamide monomer polymerization in the presence of a natural polymer, e.g., chitosan. N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBAM) and glutaraldehyde (GLA) were selected to cross-link PAAM and CS chains and a full-IPN structure formed simultaneously. Kinetic swelling studies of CS-PAAM IPNs were carried out with deionized water and aqueous dye solutions. The experimental data clearly suggested that the swelling process obeys second-order kinetics. Network and diffusion parameters for CS-PAAM and PAAM hydrogels were calculated and it was observed that these IPN hydrogels have high cross-linking efficiencies in comparison to PAAM hydrogels. Adsorption of textile dyes onto hydrogels was studied by a batch adsorption technique at 23°C and 40°C, and it was seen that the higher temperature increased the dye adsorption onto the hydrogels. L type (Lan gmuir) adsorption isotherms, according to Giles classification system, were established at the end of adsorption experiments. The prepared IPN hydrogels show good ability to uptake textile dyes from wastewater.     

Uranyl Ion Uptake Properties of Highly Swollen AAm/SA/GEL/PVA Semi IPNs as Novel Biosorbent

In this study, uranyl ion adsorption from aqueous solutions has been investigated by highly swollen gelatin and poly(vinyl alcohol) based semi-interpenetrating polymer network systems of acrylamide/sodium acrylate. For this, chemically cross-linked copolymer of acrylamide/sodium acrylate hydrogels with gelatin and/or poly(vinyl alcohol) were prepared by free radical polymerization in an aqueous solution of acrylamide and sodium acrylate using ammonium persulfate/N,N,N′,N′-tetramethylethylenediamine as redox initiating pair in the presence of poly(ethylene glycol)diacrylate as a cross linker. Adsorption studies were investigated by spectrophotometric method at 25°C. Sorption capacity, removal efficiency, and partition coefficient of the hydrogels were investigated. Removal efficiency was changed within a range of 7.06–33.03%.     

Swelling–deswelling kinetics of ionic poly(acrylamide) hydrogels and cryogels

A series of ionic poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) gels was prepared by free‐radical crosslinking copolymerization of acrylamide and N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide in aqueous solutions. The gels were prepared both below and above the bulk freezing temperature of the polymerization solvent water, which are called as the cryogels and the hydrogels, respectively. The deswelling behavior of swollen gels in acetone as well as the reswelling behavior of the collapsed gels in water were investigated. It was shown that the cryogels respond against the external stimuli much faster than the hydrogels. The interior morphology of the cryogel networks exhibits a discontinuity and a two‐phase structure, compared to the continuous morphology of the hydrogel networks. Introduction of the ionic units in the network chains further increased the response rate of the cryogels. In contrast to these advantages of cryogels, they exhibit lower swelling capacities than the conventional hydrogels. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 319–325, 2006     

Influence of the initiator system on the spatial inhomogeneity in acrylamide‐based hydrogels

The effect of the initiator system used in the gel preparation on the spatial inhomogeneity in poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) and poly(N,N‐dimethylacrylamide) (PDMA) hydrogels was investigated by static light scattering and elasticity measurements. The hydrogels were prepared by free‐radical crosslinking copolymerization of the monomers acrylamide (AAm) or N,N‐dimethylacrylamide (DMA) with N,N′‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker. Two different redox‐initiator systems, ammonium persulfate (APS)–N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (TEMED) and APS–sodium metabisulfite (SPS), were used to initiate the gelation reactions. Compared to the APS–TEMED redox pair, no significant scattered light intensity rise was observed during the crosslinking polymerization reactions initiated by the APS–SPS system. It was found that both PAAm and PDMA gels are much more homogeneous when the APS–SPS redox pair was used as the initiator. The results are explained by the formation of shorter primary chains as well as the delay of the gel point in APS–SPS initiated gel formation reactions. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3228–3237, 2007     

Swelling Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Poly(Hydroxamic Acid) Hydrogels in Aqueous Thiazin Dye Solutions

In this study, swelling behavior of polyelectrolyte poly(hydroxamic acid) (PHA) hydrogels have been investigated in aqueous thiazin dye solutions. PHA hydrogels were prepared by free radical polymerizations of acrylamide with some cross-linkers such as N,N′ methylenebisacrylamide (NBisA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA); then they were used in experiments on swelling and diffusion of some water-soluble cationic dyes such as methylene blue (MB), thionin (T), and toluidin blue (TB). Swelling experiments were performed in water at 25°C, gravimetrically. The equilibrium swelling percent (S%) values of PHA hydrogels were calculated as 238–2705%. Some swelling kinetic parameters such as initial swelling rate, swelling rate constant, and maximum (theoretical) swelling percent were found. Diffusional behavior of dye solutions was investigated. Dye diffusion into hydrogels was found to be non-Fickian in character. Diffusion exponent (n) is over 0.50. For sorption of thiazin cationic dyes, MB, T, and TB to PHA hydrogels were studied by batch sorption technique at 25°C. PHA hydrogels in the dye solutions showed the dark coloration. In the experiments of the adsorption, S-type adsorption in the Giles classification system was found.     

Water and dye sorption studies of novel semi IPNs: Acrylamide/4‐styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt/peg hydrogels

In this study, it has been investigated that the incorporation of poly(ethylene glycol), (PEG) and 4‐styrenesulfonic acid sodium salt, (NaSS) into acrylamide, (AAm) hydrogel during free radical solution polymerization synthesis. Poly (ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate, (PEGDMA) was used as a multifunctional crosslinker in polymerization. The main purpose of this study was to combine both monomers and a polymer in a new polymeric system. Dye sorption properties of hydrogels and semi IPNs were investigated by using cationic dye such as Union Green B (Janus Green B, UGB). Swelling and sorption studies were carried out at 25°C. For structural characterization, FTIR analysis was made. The equilibrium percentage swelling (S_eq%) ranges are 660–1330% for AAm/NaSS hydrogels and 580–1310% for AAm/NaSS/PEG semi IPNs. To determine the sorption behaviors of cationic dye UGB, some sorption parameters such as sorption capacity (q), adsorption percentage (Ads%) and partition coefficient (K_d) of the hydrogels were investigated. Binding characterization has been studied by Langmuir linearization method. The sorption capacity values of the hydrogel systems were changed between 1.24 × 10^?4 and 4.05 × 10^?4 mol g^?1. The values of Ads% of the hydrogels were changed among 18?67%, and the values of K_d of the hydrogels were between 0.22 and 2.02. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2013. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Freezing as a path to build macroporous structures: Superfast responsive polyacrylamide hydrogels

Macroporous polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels were prepared from acrylamide monomer and N,N′-methylene(bis)acrylamide (BAAm) crosslinker in frozen aqueous solutions. It was found that the swelling properties and the elastic behavior of the hydrogels drastically change at a gel preparation temperature of −6 °C. The hydrogels prepared below −6 °C exhibit a heterogeneous morphology consisting of pores of sizes 10–70 μm, while those formed at higher temperatures have a non-porous structure. PAAm networks with largest pores were obtained at −18 °C. The pore size of the networks increased while the thickness of the pore walls decreased by decreasing the monomer concentration. The hydrogels formed below −6 °C exhibit superfast swelling and deswelling properties as well as reversible swelling–deswelling cycles in water and in acetone, respectively.     

A novel fabrication method of temperature-responsive poly(acrylamide) composite hydrogel with high mechanical strength

High strength, stimuli-responsive poly(acrylamide) composite hydrogels (PAAm CH gels) were prepared by grafting polymerization of acrylamide (AAm) onto temperature-sensitive core–shell microgels. These microgels, composing of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) as core and polyvinylamine (PVAm) as shell, were used as both initiator and crosslinker to form a robust three-dimensional network via bonding the poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) backbone. The CH gels exhibited a remarkably rapid shrinking rate and transmittance switch in response to the environmental temperature change, which the conventional chemically cross-linking PAAm hydrogels (PAAm OR) were short of. Even compared to the bulk PNIPAAm hydrogels (PNIPAAm OR) crosslinked with N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA), the CH gels were featured with faster responsive rate, which could be attributed to the formation of interconnected water transportation channels between the microspheres and PAAm gel matrix due to the fast shrinking of microgels. Moreover, the effects of microgel species and content on swelling and mechanical properties of CH gels were also systematically investigated. The results elaborated that the CH gels could be compressed almost 99% without breaking and completely recovered their original shape when the stress was removed. And the optimized compressive strength of CH gels could be up to 21.94 MPa. Based on the analysis of CH gel mechanical properties, the influence of microsphere content on effective network chains density of CH gels was discussed through rheology measurements. Finally, the essential reinforcement on mechanical properties was mainly contributed to the homogeneous microstructure of hydrogel network and the energy dissipation mechanism of microgels in gel matrix.     

Environmentally sensitive hydrogels: N‐isopropyl acrylamide/Acrylamide/ Mono‐, Di‐, Tricarboxylic acid crosslinked polymers

Environmentally sensitive hydrogels responsive to various stimuli such as temperature, pH, ionic strength of the medium and the solvent were prepared by using N‐isopropyl acrylamide (NIPAM), acrylamide (AAm) and monomers that have various number of carboxylic acid (XA) functionality using N,N′‐methylene bisacrylamide (Bis) as crosslinker. Hydrogels were prepared via free radical polymerization reaction in aqueous solution. P(NIPAAm‐co‐AAm) and p(NIPAAm‐co‐AAm)/XA hydrogels that contain monoprotic crotonic acid (CA) exhibit a lover critical solution temperature (LCST) at 28°C, whereas p(NIPAAm‐co‐AAm)/IA (IA:itaconic acid), and P(NIPAAm‐co‐AAm)/ACA (ACA:acotonic acid) hydrogels exhibit a lover critical solution temperature at 30.7°C and 34.4°C, respectively. Spectroscopic and thermal analyses were performed for the structural and thermal characterizations of the prepared hydrogel. The swelling experiments as equilibrium swelling percentages by gravimetrically were carried out in different solvents, at different solutions temperature, pH, and ionic strengths to determine their effects on swelling characteristic of hydrogels. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:843–851, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Behaviors of Chemically Crosslinked CAAMPS Hydrogels in Uptake of Uranyl Ions from Aqueous Solutions

Uranyl ion adsorption from aqueous solutions has been investigated by chemically crosslinked (C) polyelectrolyte acrylamide/2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (CAAMPS) hydrogels. CAAMPS hydrogels with various compositions were prepared from ternary mixtures of acrylamide (A), 2-acrylamido-2-methyl-1-propanesulfonic acid (AMPS), and water by free radical polymerization in an aqueous solution using multifunctional crosslinkers such as ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) and 1,4 butanediol dimethacrylate (BDMA). The swelling equilibrium of polyelectrolyte copolymer gels containing of CAAMPS hydrogels has been studied as a function of copolymer composition. Swelling experiments were performed in water at 25°C, gravimetrically. The influence of AMPS content in hydrogels was examined. The weight-swelling ratio of CAAMPS hydrogels was increased up to 127.03 (for 300 mg AMPS and crosslinked by EGDMA) and 93.32 (for 300 mg AMPS and crosslinked by BDMA), while acrylamide hydrogels swelled up to 10.27 (crosslinked by EGDMA) and 10.06 (crosslinked by BDMA). Uranyl ion adsorption from aqueous solutions was studied by batch sorption technique at 25°C. The effect of uranyl ion concentration and mass of AMPS on the uranyl ion adsorption were examined. In the experiments of the sorption, L type sorption in the Giles classification system was found. Finally, the amount of sorbed uranyl ion per gram of dry hydrogel (q) was calculated to be 0.67 × 10^?3–2.11 × 10^?3 mol uranyl ion per gram for CAAMPS hydrogels. Removal effiency of uranyl ions (RE%) was changed range 9.05–29.92%. The values of partition ratio, (K _d ) of uranyl ions was calculated to be 0.10–0.43 for CAAMPS hydrogels.