Synthesis and characterization of novel dual environment-responsive hydrogels of Hydroxyethyl methacrylate and Methyl cellulose

Figures & data

Table 1. Composition of the hydrogels.

Sample	Composition of the hydrogels
	Weight of HEMA (g)	MC solution
		Concentration (% w/v)	Weight (g)
HM1	0.45	0.0	1
HM2	0.45	0.5	1
HM3	0.45	1.0	1
HM4	0.45	1.5	1
HM5	0.45	2.0	1

Figure 1. Pictographs of the prepared hydrogels: (a) HM1, (b) HM2, (c) HM3, (d) HM4, (e) HM5.

Table 2. Parameters used for the determination of the average molecular weight between polymer cross-links and the cross-linking density.

Parameter	Value
M (primary molecular mass)	130.14 g/mol
(hydrogel specific volume)	0.891 cm^3/g
V (molar volume of water)	18 cm^3/mol
v2,s (polymer volume fraction post-swelling)	experimental
ρ2 (density of hydrogel)	1.12 g/cm^3
ρ1 (density of water)	0.998 g/cm^3
(Flory solvent–polymer interaction term)	0.60 (approx.)

Figure 2. Bright field micrographs of the hydrogels. (a) HM1, (b) HM2, (c) HM3, (d) HM4, and (e) HM5.

Figure 3. (a) XRD and (b) FTIR graphs of the hydrogels.

Figure 4. Swelling properties of the hydrogels. (a) 4 °C, (b) 25 °C, and (c) 37 °C.

Figure 5. Mechanical properties of the hydrogels. (a) D₂₀, (b) Cyclic SR, Cyclic creep study of: (c) HM1, (d) HM2, (e) HM3, (f) HM4, (g) HM5, and (h) Creep recovery.

Figure 6. Electrical properties of the hydrogels. (a) I–V characteristics and (b) Conductivity.

Figure 7. Thermal studies of HM1, HM3, and HM5.

Figure 8. In vitro cytocompatibility study of the hydrogels.