Influence of volume phase transition phenomena on the behavior of hydrogel-based valves

Smart hydrogels show phase transition behavior. This property can be used to operate sensors and actuators in a reversible and reproducible mode. Ignoring phenomena occurring at volume phase transition can result in a malfunction or even failure of the system. In this paper, the influence of volume phase transition phenomena on the behavior of hydrogel-based valves are discussed. Furthermore, the operation mode of such valves in dependence of various design parameters and hydrogel properties are described. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.