Effects of microstructure, crosslinking density, temperature and exterior load on dynamic pH-response of hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile-blend-gelatin hydrogel fibers

摘要

The preparation of a smart hydrogel fiber based on hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile-blend-gelatin is presented. The kinetics of the hydrogel fibers in response to pH change was reported. The effects of a number of factors were systematically studied, including the fiber diameter, concentration of crosslinker, environmental temperature and exterior load. The micro-morphology was also observed by SEM to verify the theoretical analysis. The experimental results revealed good consistence with Tanaka-Fillmore theory and Flory-Huggins theory, and it was found that the hydrogel fibers with high content of gelatin showed excellent and stable pH-response ability. Studies of dynamic elongation and contraction behaviors assist understanding and controlling of the pH-response of hydrogel fibers.