Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Poly(Acrylic Acid) Hydrogel in a dc Electric Field: Swelling, Shape Change, and Actuation Characteristics.

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) hydrogel can be utilized as a biomimetic actuator and coating material for tissue-implant interface, when employing an electrical stimulus. The swelling, shape change, and actuation characteristics of PVA/PAA hydrogel in a range of dc electrical fields were determined to find the optimal electric field for the hydrogel application as biomimetic actuator and coating materials. The hydrogel samples were prepared by dissolving PVA and PAA in deionized water at 4 wt% and mixed together at 1:1 ratio. Two custom made experimental setups were fabricated; one used for the measurement of swelling ratio of the hydrogels; and the other used for the shape changes or actuation characteristics of the hydrogels. Swelling experiments show increased swelling ratios of the hydrogel due to 10 V, 20 V, and 30 V electric fields. The rate of increment of the swelling ratio of hydrogel samples under 10V was higher compare to those samples under 20 V and 30 V. The width and height changes of rectangular shapes and maximum deflection along the length of hydrogel sample due to a range of electric fields (0-30V) were measured using an optical microscope. Incremental shape change up to a specific threshold value (around 10V) was observed due to electric stimulus. Electrostatic actuation pressure of hydrogel samples under 10V was higher compare to those samples under 20 V and 30 V. These results suggested that optimal performance of PVA/PAA hydrogel can be achieved around 10V.