Intelligent hydrogels based on radiation induced copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide and Kappa carrageenan

A series of blended hydrogels composed of poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (polyNIPAAm) and Kappa carrageenan have been prepared by γ-irradiation. The hydrogels obtained by this method were transparent and elastic and the gel strength was improved greatly. Measurements showed that the polyNIPAAm/Kappa carrageenan blends were hydrogels, which not only had pH and temperature sensitivities, but also exhibited a chloride ion-induced phase transition.