PURPOSE: A model for swelling time course of compressed cellulose matrix is presented. METHODS: The model incorporates the two most important features: water penetration by diffusion and volume change due to swelling. Approximations of the model for small t values and for large t values are also derived, which are utilized in a handy routine for estimation of swelling parameters. RESULTS: The observed time courses of thickness change with compressed matrices of methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose agree well with the calculated values of the proposed model. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model is compatible with the observed swelling kinetics.
PURPOSE: A model for swelling time course of compressed cellulose matrix is presented. METHODS: The model incorporates the two most important features: water penetration by diffusion and volume change due to swelling. Approximations of the model for small t values and for large t values are also derived, which are utilized in a handy routine for estimation of swelling parameters. RESULTS: The observed time courses of thickness change with compressed matrices of methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose agree well with the calculated values of the proposed model. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed model is compatible with the observed swelling kinetics.