Cross-linking in Hydrogels - A Review - sapub（交联的水凝胶-评估- sapub）.pdf

American Journal of Polymer Science 2014, 4(2): 25-31 DOI: 10.5923/j.ajps01 Cross-linking in Hydrogels - A Review * Jaya Maitra , Vivek Kumar Shukla Gautam Buddha University, Greater Noida, Gautam Budh Nagar-201312 (U.P), India Abstract Hydrogels represent a class of high water content polymers with physical or chemical crosslinks. Their physical properties are similar to soft tissues. Cross linking is a stabilization process in polymer chemistry which leads to multidimensional extension of polymeric chain resulting in network structure. Cross-link is a bond which links one polymer chain to other. It can be ionic or covalent. Cross linking changes a liquid polymer into ‘solid’ or ‘gel’ by restricting the ability of movement. When polymer chains are linked together by cross-links, they lose some of their ability to move as individual polymer chains. A liquid polymer (where the chains are freely flowing) can be turned into a ‘solid’ or ‘gel’ by cross-linking the chains together. Cross linking increases the molecular mass of a polymer. Cross-linked polymers are important because they are mechanically strong and resistant to heat, wear and attack by solvents. However, the drawback associated with cross-linked polymers is that they are relatively inflexible when it comes to their processing properties because they are insoluble and infusible. Keywords Hydrogels, Cross linking, Gel, Polymer play the principle role is in the manufacture of personal care 1. Introduction products such as feminine hygiene products, adult