Finite Element Model of Polyelectrolyte Hydrogels Swelling - Comparison with Experiments

The preliminary results of gel swelling experiments are reported, and then compared to predictions made by a recently-developed finite element model (FEM). This model utilises energy transport between different energy domains, and is being used to simulate gel swelling dynamics. Initial experiments have revealed the model does capture the general behaviour of polymer hydrogel swelling dynamics and further improvements are necessary for better accuracy.