Structural and behavioral characteristics of radiolytically synthesized polyacrylic acid–polyacrylonitrile copolymeric hydrogels

Copolymeric hydrogels of polyacrylic acid (PAA) – polyacrylonitrile (PAN) was radiolytically synthesized from their respective monomers with trimethyloltrimethacrylate (TMPTMA) as the crosslinker wherein both polymerization and crosslinking could be achieved in a single step reaction using 60Co γ-radiation under varying doses and dose rates. The formation of the hydrogels was confirmed by their FT-IR analysis, while their thermal degradation patterns were investigated through thermogravimetric analysis in both the dry and swelled state. The water sorption studies showed rapid swelling behavior of these hydrogels, where swelling (%EWC) was found to be strongly dependent on the ratio of the two monomers in the hydrogels and the swelling kinetics dependent on the dose rates of hydrogel synthesis. These radiolytically synthesized hydrogels responded to electrical stimulus both in terms of the bending speed as well as bending angle under an applied voltage. The nature of the deformation was reversible and can be controlled through switching the voltage on and off. •Polyacrylic acid – polyacrilonitrile copolymeric hydrogel has been radiolytically synthesized.•Trimethyloltrimethacrylate (TMPTMA) used as crosslinker.•Hydrogel has been characterized and tested for electroresponsive character.•Bending angles and bending speed were found dependent upon applied voltage.