Abstract
We report measurements of the bulk modulus of individual poly(-isopropylacrylamide) microgels along their swelling transition. The modulus is determined by measuring the volume deformation of the microgel as a function of osmotic pressure using dextran solutions. We find that the modulus softens through the transition, displaying a nonmonotonous behavior with temperature. This feature is correctly reproduced by the theory of Flory for polymer gels, once the concentration dependence of the solvency parameter is properly incorporated.
- Received 19 May 2011
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevE.84.011406
©2011 American Physical Society