Comments on the interpretation of thermodynamic data on swollen hydrogels

摘要

As a reply to the paper of Bowstra et al. (1) the authors summarize their earlier conclusions (2,3,4) concerning the interpretation of data on sorption equilibrium, heats of mixing and heat capacities of water-swollen gels. Two unavoidable premises of correct interpretation are emphasized: (1) accounting for the physical states of the polymer before and after mixing with water, (2) correct choice of the thermodynamic criterion for the stability of water structure and of its interaction with the polymer.