Physico-chemical characteristics of gamma irradiation crosslinked poly(vinyl alcohol)/magnetite ferrogel composite

Magnetic field sensitive gels, ferrogels are new promising class of hydrogels. The coupling of hydrogels and magnetic particles has potential application in soft actuators such as artificial muscles or for hyperthermia application. Here a composite of magnetite particles (Fe3O4) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel is developed using gamma irradiation as a crosslinking agent. PVA and Fe3O4 were chosen because of their well-established biocompatibility, radiation crosslinking potential (PVA), mild magnetic properties and the Curie point near desired heating temperature range (Fe3O4). Physico-chemical characteristics of these systems show the effect of the presence of particles in the process of radiation-induced crosslinking. Obtained PVA/Fe3O4 ferrogel composite has greater swelling capacity, activation energy of dehydration and dehydration rate compared to PVA hydrogel, crosslinked under the same conditions.