Effect of molecular weight on gel formation of polyethylene oxide/tragacanth hydrogel prepared by gamma radiation

Nowadays a new class of hydrogels is developing by using radiation technique which are a combination of a synthetic polymer and a natural polymer which can absorb, swell and retain aqueous solutions up to hundreds of times their own weight [1]. Poly (ethylene oxide) (PEO) is a highly crystallinepolymer with limited water absorption. Tragacanth is a natural polymer which is almost insoluble in water, but swells to form a stiff gel. By using a combination of thePEO and tragacanth a more economic composite hydrogel with good superabsorbent properties could beproduced [2]. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of low and high molecular weight PEO on gel formation of PEO/tragacanth hydrogel prepared by gamma radiation