Radiation synthesis of graphene oxide/composite hydrogels and their ability for potential dye adsorption from wastewater

A high yield of graphene oxide (GO) was chemically synthesized from graphite powder utilizing adjusted Hummer's method. The contents of acidic functional groups in GO were determined using potentiometric titration. Composite hydrogels dependent on graphene oxide/poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid)/polyvinyl alcohol (GO/PAMPS/PVA) were synthesized utilizing a ⁶⁰Co gamma irradiation source at different doses. The synthesized graphene oxide and composite hydrogels were portrayed via X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and Fourier transform infrared analysis. The morphology of composite hydrogels was characterized by scanning electron microscope. The gel % and swelling % for the prepared hydrogel demonstrated that the swelling % of hydrogel increased with raising AMPS content. Whereas the increment of GO and increasing the irradiation dose lead to a reduction in the swelling %. The influences of pH, GO percentage, initial dye concentration, the adsorbent dosage, contact time, and temperature on the adsorption of basic blue 3 dye were evaluated and the adsorption capacity was 194.6 mg/g at optimum conditions; pH = 6, GO/PAMPS/PVA composite hydrogels with 5 wt% of GO, initial dye concentration = 200 mg/L, adsorbent dose = 0.1 g, solution volume = 50 mL after 360 min at room temperature (25°C). The adsorption of dye onto the GO/PAMPS/PVA composite hydrogels follows Pseudo-second-order adsorption kinetics, fits the Freundlich adsorption isotherm model.     

Comparative study of PEO and PVA hydrogels for removal of methylene blue dye from wastewater

In this study, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) hydrogels were synthesized and evaluated as adsorbent for dye removal from wastewater using methylene blue (MB) in aqueous solution as probe. PEO samples were photochemically prepared by varying irradiation time (1–16 h), while PVA samples were synthetized with different concentration of glutaraldehyde (GA) (0.03–0.48%). The obtained hydrogels were obtained through the analysis of a swelling test, scanning electron microscopy, and adsorption studies. PEO hydrogels adsorption capacity was dependent on the irradiation time, while the PVA hydrogel adsorption capacity reduces with GA concentration. Both hydrogels demonstrated a Langmuir isotherm adsorption model at the equilibrium and pseudo‐second order kinetic fits properly. pH studies showed that when pH reaches 12, the adsorbed MB amount is close to 8 and 2 times higher than pH = 2 both hydrogels. Photochemical preparation of hydrogels shows an easier way of tuning their properties in order to maximize dye removal. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45043.     

Removal of methylene blue dyes from wastewater using cellulose‐based superadsorbent hydrogels

Superadsorbent cellulose‐graft‐acrylic acid (C‐g‐AA) hydrogels were successfully prepared via free radical polymerization in phosphoric acid solution. Phosphoric acid solution provides a homogeneous reaction system. The C‐g‐AA hydrogels have a porous network inner structure with cellulose as the backbone. The introduced carboxyl groups enable the C‐g‐AA hydrogels with good swelling property (swelling ratio 7327%) and excellent MB adsorption capacity (equilibrium adsorption amount 2197 mg g^?1). The dynamic swelling behaviors of the hydrogels were tested, water intake of hydrogels followed a non‐Fickian type diffusion. The effects of mole ratio of AA to cellulose, the pH of adsorption medium and the initial MB concentration on dye adsorption capacity of hydrogels were investigated. The adsorption isotherm and kinetics fit the Langmuir model and the Pseudo‐second‐order model well, respectively. Desorption was carried out in weak acid solution and 70% MB could be removed, suggesting the C‐g‐AA hydrogels had the potential for reuse. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2011 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Graphene oxide/poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels with good tensile properties and reusable adsorption properties

Graphene oxide (GO)/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel (PGOH), which possesses good tensile and reusable absorption properties, has been prepared by the freezing–thawing method. The presence of GO visibly decreases the swelling ratio of PGOH and significantly enhances the tensile properties of PGOH due to the formation of hydrogen bonds between the GO and PVA. The maximum tensile strength and the equilibrium adsorption capacity of methylene blue (MB) of PGOH with 0.5?wt-% GO (PGOH-0.5) is found to be 15, being 4.1 times higher than that of pure PVA hydrogel. The spontaneous adsorption obeys the intraparticle diffusion kinetic model. In addition, PGOH-0.5 exhibits a promising cycling absorption performance. The 1st and 5th cycle of dye removal for PGOH-0.5 reached to 92 and 70%, respectively. Such enhancement in adsorption can be attributed to π–π stacking and strong electrostatic attraction between GO and MB.     

Poly (vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide nanocomposite films and hydrogels prepared by gamma ray

ABSTRACT

Poly (vinyl alcohol)/graphene oxide (PVA/GO) gamma irradiated nanocomposite films and hydrogels were prepared. In composite films, GO was initially irradiated by gamma ray in order to improve interactions between GO and PVA. The film containing 1?wt-% GO was very strong where tensile modulus and tensile yield strength were 45 and 115% higher than those of pure PVA. In the second set of experiments PVA/GO hydrogels were made by irradiating PVA/GO suspensions by gamma ray at various doses. It was an interesting finding that GO increased the gel portion of hydrogels through contribution of H-bonds between PVA and GO. The hydrogels prepared at 20?kGy had remarkable water swelling ratio that reached as high as 20 at water temperature of 80°C. The hydrogel metal ion adsorption capability was tested on Cu²⁺ ions. It was shown that the GO contributed significantly to the adsorption capacity of PVA hydrogels.     

Swelling Characterization of Polyelectrolyte Poly(Hydroxamic Acid) Hydrogels in Aqueous Thiazin Dye Solutions

In this study, swelling behavior of polyelectrolyte poly(hydroxamic acid) (PHA) hydrogels have been investigated in aqueous thiazin dye solutions. PHA hydrogels were prepared by free radical polymerizations of acrylamide with some cross-linkers such as N,N′ methylenebisacrylamide (NBisA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA); then they were used in experiments on swelling and diffusion of some water-soluble cationic dyes such as methylene blue (MB), thionin (T), and toluidin blue (TB). Swelling experiments were performed in water at 25°C, gravimetrically. The equilibrium swelling percent (S%) values of PHA hydrogels were calculated as 238–2705%. Some swelling kinetic parameters such as initial swelling rate, swelling rate constant, and maximum (theoretical) swelling percent were found. Diffusional behavior of dye solutions was investigated. Dye diffusion into hydrogels was found to be non-Fickian in character. Diffusion exponent (n) is over 0.50. For sorption of thiazin cationic dyes, MB, T, and TB to PHA hydrogels were studied by batch sorption technique at 25°C. PHA hydrogels in the dye solutions showed the dark coloration. In the experiments of the adsorption, S-type adsorption in the Giles classification system was found.     

Gellan gum‐based novel composite hydrogel: Evaluation as adsorbent for cationic dyes

A semi‐interpenetrating network system [(GG‐g‐PAAm)‐PVA] was made by microwave irradiation of aqueous mixture of gellan gum (GG), acrylamide (AAm), and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) containing N,N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide as crosslinking agent. The gel was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The swelling behavior was studied under different pH conditions. A pH‐dependent swelling with maximum swelling under neutral pH was observed. The swelling process is found to follow second‐order kinetics and the mechanism of water transport is found to be Fickian type of diffusion. The (GG‐g‐PAAm)‐PVA was evaluated for removal of dye from aqueous solution, using crystal violet, a cationic dye. The maximum adsorption capacity of the gel was found to be 45.45 mg/g. The kinetic studies revealed a second‐order adsorption process which fits well into Langmuir model. The evaluation of thermodynamic parameters indicated the adsorption process to be exothermic and spontaneous at lower temperatures. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45527.     

Removal of textile dyes from single and ternary solutions using poly(acrylamide‐co‐N‐methylacrylamide) grafted katira gum hydrogel

A novel hydrogel poly(acrylamide‐co‐poly‐N‐methylacrylamide) grafted katira gum (KG) was synthesized via free radical copolymerization using a mixture of acrylamide and N‐methylacrylamide in presence of N,N′‐methylene‐bis‐acrylamide as a crosslinking agent. A series of hydrogels (KG‐1 to KG‐6) were prepared by varying amount of acrylamide and N‐methylacryamide. Poly‐acrylamide‐g‐katira gum (PAM‐g‐KG) and poly‐N‐methylacrylamide‐g‐katira gum (PNMA‐g‐KG) hydrogels were also prepared using same crosslinking agent. Swelling characteristics of all the prepared hydrogels in water were evaluated and the hydrogel with best swelling property (KG‐6) was identified. The hydrogel KG‐6 was characterized by FTIR, X‐ray diffractometer, and scanning electron microscopy and was used for the adsorption of textile dyes namely methylene blue (MB), malachite green (MG), and congo red (CR) from single and ternary solutions. Adsorption dynamics, kinetics, isotherm, and thermodynamics of all the prepared hydrogels were studied in the ternary dye solutions. The sorption kinetics data were fitted well to pseudo‐second order and the equilibrium adsorption data were found to follow Freundlich isotherm model. The thermodynamics studies showed that the adsorption process was spontaneous and exothermic in nature. The preferential dye adsorption by the hydrogel was followed in the order MB > MG > CR. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 45958.     

Poly(N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate)/graphene oxide hybrid hydrogels: pH and temperature sensitivities and Cr(VI) adsorption

Different amounts of graphene oxide (GO) were incorporated to N,N-dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA), fabricating a series of pH and temperature dual sensitive PDMAEMA/GO hybrid hydrogels by in situ polymerization. Their microscopic network structures as well as swelling properties and Cr(VI) adsorption were characterized. The equilibrium swelling ratios (ESR) of hydrogels increased significantly with 0.5 wt% GO feeding of DMAEMA amount, and then decreased with further GO loading increasing. All hydrogels showed obvious deswelling when pH value of swelling mediums increased from 5 to 10 gradually. At pH 7, hydrogels revealed slight ESR increment with temperature up to 50 °C, above which obvious deswelling occurred. In pH 8 buffer, 0.5 wt% of GO loading triggered lower critical solution temperature (LCST) to decrease by 3 °C, and 2–7 °C increment was observed when 1–6 wt% of GO was loaded, as compared with that of GO-free PDMAEMA hydrogel. Cr(VI) adsorption of hydrogels was also improved by the introduction of GO to some extent, and the maximum Cr(VI) adsorption of 180 mg/g was realized, indicating that the obtained PDMAEMA/GO hybrid hydrogels possess excellent adsorption performance.     

Effective removal of a cobalt‐tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine dye from an aqueous solution with a novel modified chitosan‐based superabsorbent hydrogel

Industrial wastewaters from the Merox process are heavily polluted by toxic cobalt‐tetrasulfonated phthalocyanine (CoTsPc) dye catalyst, and in this article, we describe the synthesis of novel chitosan hydrogels and their adsorption capabilities against CoTsPc as biosorbents. In this study, novel chitosan hydrogels were crosslinked by 3,3′,4,4′‐tetracarboxybenzophenone dianhydride and used for the first time. The adsorption capacities of the hydrogels were significantly improved, and they exhibited excellent sorption behavior with ammonium sulfate modification. The adsorption behavior was observed to be pH dependent, and the optimum pH was found to be 8. Moreover, the swelling studies indicated that the hydrogels are superabsorbent. The reusability of these dye‐adsorbent hydrogels was also evaluated. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46167.     

聚丙烯酸/氧化石墨烯复合水凝胶制备及对亚甲基蓝吸附

以丙烯酸(AA)为原料,二丙烯酸酯(Pul DA)分散的氧化石墨烯(GO)纳米胶粒(GO-Pul DA)为增强剂,N,N'-亚甲基双丙烯酰胺(BIS)为交联剂,通过自由基共聚合制备了一系列结构均一的聚丙烯酸/氧化石墨烯复合水凝胶(PAA/GO-Pul DA)。考察了BIS质量浓度、GO质量浓度以及溶液pH值对复合水凝胶力学性能、吸水性和亚甲基蓝(MB)吸附量的影响。结果表明,当GO质量浓度从0.1 g/L增加至1.0 g/L时,复合水凝胶拉伸强度从5.0 k Pa增加至10.4 k Pa,断裂伸长率高于100%,当GO的质量浓度为0.3 g/L时,复合水凝胶的断裂伸长率最高为151%;复合水凝胶表现出pH敏感的高吸湿性,pH从3.0增加至6.8时,平衡溶胀比(SRe)变化可达386 g/g,pH=6.8时最大SRe高达490 g/g。当溶液pH值从3.0增加至11.0时,PAA/GO-Pul D对MB的平衡吸附量(qe)可增加1 400~1 500 mg/g,pH=11.0时最大的qe高达1 789 mg/g。复合水凝胶对MB的吸附行为符合准一级动力学模型。5次吸附-解吸附循环后,相对于首次吸附,PAA/GO-Pul D对MB的吸附能力仍保持高达60%,解吸附效率高于90%。     

Poly(acrylamide/laponite) nanocomposite hydrogels: Swelling and cationic dye adsorption properties

Super adsorbent polyacrylamide (PAAm)/nanoclay (laponite, Lap) hydrogels were prepared by in situ free radical polymerization of AAm in an aqueous solution with clay as a crosslinker. The swelling properties and water‐soluble cationic dye adsorption behaviors of the PAAm/laponite (PAAm/Lap) nanocomposite (NC) hydrogels were investigated. The parameters of swelling and diffusion of water in dye solutions were evaluated for the PAAm/Lap NC hydrogels. The adsorption behavior of the monovalent cationic dyes such as Basic Blue 12 (BB 12), Basic Blue 9 (BB 9), and Basic Violet 1 (BV 1), were studied on the NC hydrogels. The effects of the clay content of the hydrogel on its cationic dye uptake behavior were studied. The adsorption studies indicated that the rates of dye uptake by the NC hydrogels increased in the following order: BB 9 > BB 12 > BV 1. This order is similar to the swelling results of the PAAm/Lap NC hydrogel in the dye solutions. The equilibrium uptakes of the different dyes by the PAAm/Lap NC hydrogel were nearly the same. In the dye absorption studies, S‐type adsorption in the Giles classification system was found for the BB 12 and BV 1 dyes, whereas L ‐type was observed for the BB 9 dye. After the heat treatment of PAAm/Lap, the rate of dye uptake and equilibrium dye uptake were increased. The NC hydrogels may be considered as a good candidate for environmental applications to retain more water and to remove dyes. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Synergistic effect of graphene oxide and sodium carboxymethylcellulose on the properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels

Hydrogels are a promising candidate for applications in biomedicine and bioengineering, but their mechanical properties often restrict their applications. To improve the mechanical performance of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels, we introduced sodium carboxymethylcellulose (CMC), and graphene oxide (GO) into them. We prepared a series of composite hydrogels composed of PVA, CMC, and GO with epichlorohydrin as a chemical crosslinker. We used Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction to characterize the chemical structures of GO and the hydrogel. The dynamic mechanical analysis results show the synergistic enhancement effects of CMC and GO on the PVA hydrogel. The swelling process of the hydrogels also fit well with the second-order kinetic equation. Scanning electron microscopy results suggest that the neat mesh structure facilitated superior mechanical properties in the hydrogels. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019 , 136, 47644.     

Adsorption of phenazine dyes using poly(hydroxamic acid) hydrogels from aqueous solutions

Swelling and adsorption properties of poly(hydroxamic acid), (PHA) hydrogels in aqueous solutions of some phenazine dyes such as Neutral Red, Safranin T, and Janus Green have been investigated. PHA hydrogels containing N,N′ methylenebisacrylamide or ethyleneglycoldimethacrylate were used in experiments on swelling, diffusion and adsorption of the dyes. The equilibrium swelling (S_eq) values of PHA hydrogels in aqueous solutions of the phenazine dyes were calculated as 2.16–33.25 g g^?1. Swelling kinetic parameters such as initial swelling rate, swelling rate constant, and maximum swelling were found. Dye diffusion into hydrogels was found to be non‐Fickian in character. Diffusion coefficients are ranged 1.32 × 10^?6 cm² s^?1 ? 44.70 × 10^?6 cm² s^?1. Adsorption of the phenazine dyes onto PHA hydrogels was studied by batch technique. PHA hydrogels in the phenazine dye solutions showed the dark coloration. The data was found that Freundlich isotherm model fits. According the Freundlich constants, the adsorption isotherms are of S‐type in Giles classification. All swelling and binding parameters for PHA‐EGDMA were found to be higher than those for PHA‐NNMBA. The type of crosslinker influenced the swelling, binding, and sorption more than the type of dye. Finally, it can be said that PHA hydrogels may be used a sorbent for removal of dyes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 58:310–318, 2018. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers     

Hybrid Hydrogels Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/Agar/Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) Prepared by High Energy Electron Beam Irradiation: Investigation of Physico‐Mechanical and Rheological Properties

A series of hybrid hydrogels based on poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/agar/poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) prepared by a solution casting method using e‐beam irradiation are investigated to determine the effect of agar and PEG content (1, 2, and 4 wt%) on their physicomechanical and rheological properties. The gel content of the hydrogels decreases with increasing agar and PEG contents. The equilibrium swelling of PVA hydrogel decreases on blending with agar while adding PEG to PVA/agar increases the swelling by about 400%. No obvious change in the dehydration behavior of the hybrid hydrogels is observed on changing agar and PEG contents. The solid‐like rheological behavior of the hydrogels is not significantly affected by agar content, while it approaches a liquid‐like behavior at high PEG loading. The tensile strength of the hybrid hydrogels is improved by increasing agar content, while its elongation‐at‐break is decreased. On the other hand, the opposite results are found regarding the influence of PEG and its content on the mechanical properties of the hybrid hydrogels.

     

The effects of graphene oxide on the properties and drug delivery of konjac glucomannan hydrogel

Konjac glucomannan (KGM) hydrogel has good potential application in food and medical science, although to achieve this, the physical and mechanical properties need further improvement. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) was used to improve the functionality of KGM hydrogel. KGM/GO hydrogels were prepared by freezing the alkaline KGM/GO sols. Rotational rheometer was used to study the rheological properties of different alkaline KGM/GO sols. Fourier transform infrared, Raman, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analyses, and scanning electron microscopy were used to evaluate the structure and properties of the hydrogels. In addition, different pH solutions and an in vitro assay were used to study the swelling property and the release behavior of KGM/GO hydrogels, respectively. The result revealed strong hydrogen‐bond interaction between KGM and GO. The incorporation of GO highly improved the gel properties of KGM/GO sol, higher thermal stability, and more compact structure of KGM/GO hydrogels. KGM/GO hydrogels showed better swelling properties in deionized‐distilled water and pH 7.2 PBS. The release of 5‐aminosalicylic acid (5‐ASA) from KGM/GO (KG4) hydrogel was different in various pH media, but the initial burst release effect was very severe. Therefore, incorporation of GO have a good potential in enhancing the properties of KGM hydrogel, but KGM/GO hydrogel is not an ideal carrier for 5‐ASA release. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017 , 134, 45327.     

Thermally crosslinked anionic hydrogels composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(γ‐glutamic acid): Preparation,characterization, and drug permeation behavior

pH‐sensitive anionic hydrogels composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(γ‐glutamic acid) (γ‐PGA) were prepared by the freeze drying method and thermally crosslinked to suppress hydrogel deformation in water. The physical properties, swelling, and drug‐diffusion behaviors were characterized for the hydrogels. In the equilibrium swelling study, PVA/γ‐PGA hydrogels shrunk in pH regions below the pK_a (2.27) of γ‐PGA, whereas they swelled above the pK_a. In the drug‐diffusion study, the drug permeation rates of the PVA/γ‐PGA hydrogels were directly proportional to their swelling behaviors. The cytocompatibility test showed no cytotoxicity of the PVA/γ‐PGA hydrogels for the 3T3 fibroblast cell lines. The results of these studies suggest that hydrogels prepared from PVA and γ‐PGA could be used as orally administrable drug‐delivery systems. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Self‐healing hydrogel of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphite oxide with pH‐sensitive and enhanced thermal properties

Supramolecular hydrogel is a fascinating polymeric material composed of three‐dimensional noncovalent networks with many outstanding properties, especially reversible relevant performances. A self‐healing supramolecular hydrogel of poly(vinyl alcohol)/graphite oxide, with reversible pH responsiveness and good thermal stability, was prepared. The morphology, functional group changes, swelling performance, thermal stability, rheological performance, and self‐healing property of the PVA/GO hydrogel were investigated. A probable mechanism between the components and potential applications were also examined in our study. The experimental results show that the PVA/GO hydrogel was not only self‐healable without external stimulus or addition of any healing agents, but also pH sensitive and with good thermal stability. Green ingredients (PVA and GO) and a simple synthesis method (a freezing/thawing treatment) may pose little threat to the environment and also promote the production of such hydrogels. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018 , 135, 46143.     

Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solutions by poly(2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid-co-itaconic acid) hydrogels

In this study, removal of methylene blue (MB) from aqueous solution by poly(AMPS-co-IA) hydrogels was examined by batch equilibration technique. The effects of monomer ratio, concentration of initiator and crosslinker, pH, adsorption time, initial dye concentration and adsorption temperature on the removal of MB were studied. The results show that the removal of MB was highly effected by preparation conditions of hydrogel. The maximum removal was observed at 10/90 IA/AMPS monomer ratio, 1.0% KPS, and 10.0% MBAAm concentrations. Removal of MB was strongly affected by pH. Pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order and intraparticle diffusion models were applied. It was concluded that adsorption of MB on hydrogel followed pseudo-second-order kinetics. It was found that the adsorption isotherm of the MB fit Langmuir-type isotherms. From the Langmuir equation, the adsorption capacity was found as 1,000 mg/g for MB dye. Thermodynamic parameters suggest that the adsorption is a typical physical process, spontaneous, and exothermic in nature. Ten adsorption—desorption cycles demonstrated that the hydrogels were suitable for repeated use without considerable change in adsorption capacity. The results revealed that this hydrogels have potential to be used as an adsorbent for the removal of MB from aqueous solution.     

Swelling kinetics of modified poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels

Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogels composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and monomer, N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), diallyldimethylammonium chloride (DADMAC), or methacrylic acid (MAA) were prepared by using the sequential‐IPN method. The equilibrium swelling ratios of PVA/NIPAAm (VANP), PVA/DADMAC (VADC), and PVA/MAA (VAMA) are 412, 370, and 297 at 25°C, respectively. VANP had the highest swelling ratio in time‐dependent swelling behavior, whereas the swelling ratio of VAMA had the lowest. The n values of VANP, VADC, and VAMA are 0.72, 0.81, and 0.96, respectively. Transport of all IPN hydrogels is anomalous and their transport mechanisms are dominated by a combination of diffusion‐controlled and relaxation‐controlled systems. VAMA has the highest activation energy and VANP has the lowest activation energy. The values of all IPN hydrogels are from 4.66 to 16.49 kJ/mol, which proves that all IPN hydrogels are hydrophilic. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 90: 3310–3313, 2003