Synthesis of hydrogel from aqueous solution of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) with agar by gamma-rays irradiation

Hydrogels were prepared from an aqueous solution of poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PVP) by using gamma-rays from a Co-60 source at room temperature. For this purpose, effects of radiation dose and concentration of polymers on the properties were investigated. The gel fraction, gel strength, and elongation at break attain maximum at the radiation dose of 20 kGy. But swelling ratio decreases with increased radiation dose. On the other hand, gel strength, gel fraction, and elongation at break increase with an increase in the concentration of PVP. Agar improves gel strength and elongation at break but reduces gel fraction and swelling ratio.