The streaming potential through poly(acrylic acid)-co-acrylamide polymer hydrogel (poly-AA-co-AM) membranes has been measured as a function of gel composition and ionic strength of the solvent. Polyelectrolyte hydrogels have important potential applications as mechanical transducers. The current work aims at providing a quantitative basis to understanding the relationship between gel composition and structure and the electromechanical coupling properties. The streaming potential increases in magnitude with the spatial density of negative charges in the gel, up to a saturation point where the density of charges on the polymer backbone becomes comparable to the salt concentration of the equilibrating solution. A simple theory of coupled charge and solvent transport based on the model proposed by de Gennes et al. [Europhys. Lett. 2000, 50, 513] quantitatively accounts for the observed effects.

Results:Conclusion: The University of Virginia is committed to meeting the requirements and spirit of the ADA. The Simulation Center team responded to the challenges of a special needs student by providing accommodations within its own programs and by serving as a resource for improved performance by faculty and educational support personnel.

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