Characterizations of semi-interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels based of chitosan and polyacrylonitrile

Temperature-, pH- and electrical-responsive semi-interpenetrating polymer network (semi-IPN) hydrogels constructed with chitosan and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) were studied. The swelling ratio of hydrogels depends on pH and temperature. The stimuli response of the semi-IPN hydrogel in electric fields was also investigated. When swollen.. the semi-IPN was placed between a pair of electrodes, and it exhibited bending behavior upon the application of an electric field. The electro responsive behavior of the present semi-IPN was also affected by the electrolyte concentration of the external solution. The semi-IPN also showed various degrees of increase of bending behavior depending on the electrical stimulus.