A hydrogel formed by cetylpyrrolidinium bromide and sodium salicylate

A novel hydrogel constructed by N-methyl-N-cetylpyrrolidinium bromide (C16MPBr) and sodium salicylate (NaSal) is investigated using 1H NMR, FT-IR, SEM, and rheological measurements. Through the rheological characterization of the hydrogels, both the NaSal concentration and pH have significant effects on the formation and properties of the gels. 1H NMR, FT-IR, and SEM have also been employed to investigate the molecular arrangement and morphology of the gels. Hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions are considered as the main driving forces to form the gels.