Modulation Of The Self-healing Of Polyion Complex Hydrogel By Ion-Specific Effects

In this thesis, we have studied modulation of the self-healing of polyion complex hydrogel by ion-specific effects. The main results are as follows:We have prepared polyionic complex (PIC) hydrogel consisting of poly[3-(methacryloylamino)propyl-trimethylamonium chloride] and poly(sodium p-styrenesulfonate) polyelectrolytes via a two-step polymerization procedure and have investigated specific ion effects on the self-healing of the PIC hydrogel. Our study demonstrates the mechanical properties of the PIC hydrogel are strongly dependent on the type of the ions doped in the hydrogel. The ion-specific effects can be used to modulate the self-healing efficiency of the PIC hydrogel. As the doped anions change from kosmotrops to chaotropes, the self-healing efficiency of the PIC hydrogel increases. A more chaotropic anion has a stronger ability to break the ionic bonds formed within the hydrogel, leading to a higher efficiency during the healing.