Abstract
Poly-acrylamide hydrogels were modified by copolymerization with acrylic acid and used as growth medium for CaCO 3 in a double-diffusion arrangement. The carboxylate functionalities in the gel network facilitate the nucleation of a multitude of small crystallites of vaterite and calcite, which are temporarily stabilized even while supersaturation is increasing within the hydrogel. After an extended induction period the rapid spherulitic growth of calcite crystals along their c-axis is observed yielding spheres with diameters exceeding 300 μm. In the center of those aggregates disordered, porous regions can be identified as starting point of this rapid crystallization. The results are compared to previous studies on native poly-acrylamide hydrogels and networks modified with –SO 3H functional groups. The mineralization mechanism is significantly altered by specific interactions between the –COOH functionalized network and the evolving mineral phase.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
