Mechanical properties of hydrogels and their experimental determination

This work explores the fundamental origins of mechanical properties in polymers, methods of testing hydrogel samples under a variety of conditions, and methods for altering the hydrogel properties. It focuses on the dependence of hydrogel mechanical properties on various properties. These properties correspond to those that would typically be examined in a material selection process: the monomers used, the polymerization conditions, the cross-link density, the degree of swelling, and the type of medium in which the material is swollen. The advantages and disadvantages of varying each of these parameters with respect to the ultimate hydrogel mechanical properties are explored.