Characterization of pH-sensitive Poly (acrylic acid-co-N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) Hydrogels Prepared by Gamma Radiation

The pH-sensitive copolymer hydrogels were prepared with the monomers of acrylic acid and N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone based on gamma radiation technique. The morphology of the hydrogels was monitored by using scanning electron microscope. The influence of absorbed dose, monomer composition and concentration on the swelling ratio (SR) of the hydrogels were investigated in detail. The effect of pH and temperature of the swelling medium on the swelling behavior of the hydrogels were also examined. The results show that the SR of the copolymer hydrogels decreases with the monomer concentration and absorbed dose increasing. The copolymer hydrogels show a better pH-sensitive behavior. In alkaline solution, the SR of the hydrogels is much higher than in acid solution.