Swelling of Polyelectrolyte Gels and Thermodynamic Parameters of Solvation

Abstract

An overview of determination and interpretation of the swelling of ion-exchange gels is presented. First, the basic experimental techniques of determination are recalled and a series of selected results of existing literature presented, more especially concerning polysulfonic ion-exchange resins. Then, calculation of the thermodynamic functions from adequate measurements is illustrated and the influence of experimental variables discussed following a first pathway of interpretation of results. Lastly theoretical models of swelling of Gregor, Rice and Harris and Katchalsky et al. are recalled and discussed.