Date of Award

Summer 8-2007

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Department

Polymers and High Performance Materials

Committee Chair

Dr. Douglas Wicks

Committee Chair Department

Polymers and High Performance Materials

Committee Member 2

Dr. Charles Hoyle

Committee Member 2 Department

Polymers and High Performance Materials

Committee Member 3

Dr. Robert Lochhead

Committee Member 3 Department

Polymers and High Performance Materials

Committee Member 4

Dr. Charles McCormick

Committee Member 4 Department

Polymers and High Performance Materials

Committee Member 5

Dr. John Pojman

Committee Member 5 Department

Polymers and High Performance Materials

Committee Member 6

Dr. Joe Whitehead Jr.

Committee Member 6 Department

Polymers and High Performance Materials

Abstract

Although the area involving the application o f polymeric hydrogels is rapidly maturing, little is reported about the preparation and response o f discrete hydrogels within a hydrophobic coating matrix. It will be the objective o f this research to determine how the structural variations in gels, both chemical and mechanical, will affect water absorption. In an effort to better understand this area, film preparation methods along with the composition and properties o f both the hydrogels and continuous phase will be investigated. This investigation will be carried out by looking at film properties firstly and then follow with an examination o f the responsiveness o f the film to various external stimuli. These characteristics can then be related to the morphology and rheological properties o f these films and their components. This developed technology can be used to further the research and development currently being conducted for application o f hydrogels as separation systems, as active delivery materials, as actuators, and as biomimetic devices.

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