Effect of acrylic acid on the properties of polyvinylpyrrolidone hydrogel prepared by the application of gamma radiation

Abstract

Hydrogels based on polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) networks grafted with acrylic acid (AAc) was prepared by using γ-rays from a Co-60 source at room temperature. The parameters like effect of radiation dose and concentration of AAc were studied. The properties such as gel content, swelling behavior and thermal stability were also evaluated. The result indicated that gel content of hydrogel increased with increased radiation dose and it reached a maximum value at 25 kGy radiation dose. Gel content also increased with increased concentration of AAc in the feed solution. Moreover, swelling ratio decreased with increased radiation dose, but increased with increased concentration of AAc. Water absorption of hydrogel increased from ~1400 to ~3800% for the range of AAc concentration 0 to 1.5% at 25 kGy. It was also observed that the melting temperature of hydrogel depended on concentration of AAc. The fourier transform infra-red (FTIR) spectroscopy investigation of hydrogel was carried out. The prepared hydrogel was applied to adsorb dye from aqueous medium.

Keywords: Hydrogel, polyvinylpyrrolidone, acrylic acid, swelling behavior, gel content