The influence of gel formulation on the diffusion of salicylic acid in polyHEMA hydrogels

The influence of solute concentration, gel hydration, and crosslinking density on diffusion rates in polyHEMA hydrogels has been investigated using a radio-tracer technique. At hydrations above 31% water, diffusion is by pore flow, and increases in the crosslinking density of gels bring about a decrease in the diffusion coefficient, D. Below 31% hydration, diffusion is predominantly by solution diffusion and changes in crosslinking density have little effect on the diffusion coefficient. The diffusion coefficient is invariant with solute concentration within the range reported, although a very high solute concentration, for the gels of lower hydration, the diffusion coefficient is higher than expected. A high value for D may be due to saturation of the binding sites of the diffusant on the polymer chains, leaving a greater proportion of diffusant available for transport.