Swelling of cross-linked polyelectrolyte gels

A model of a cross-linked polyelectrolyte gel has been examined using Monte Carlo simulations. The simple model contained a charged defect-free network represented by linked charged beads and explicit counterions. Pressure-density relations for the polyelectrolyte gel, a corresponding non-ionic polymer gel, and several partly or fully degraded gels have been determined. The polyelectrolyte gel displayed a very large swelling capacity, in agreement with experiments. The swelling mechanism and chain properties are discussed and foundations of current theories on gel swelling are examined.