Large and Nonlinear Permeability Amplification with Polymeric Additives in Hydrogel Membranes

Hydrogels which are hydrophilic and porous materials have recently emerged as promising systems for filtration applications. In our study, we prepare hydrogel membranes by the photopolymerization of a mixture poly (ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) large poly(ethylene (PEG) chains 300 000 g.mol-1 in presence photoinitiator. We find that this addition free PEG induces non-linear increase water permeability. Indeed, changing content added, obtain variations permeability over two orders magnitude. The highest values obtained when concentration is equal to its critical overlap C*. Moreover, flow rate through varies non-linearly with pressure. relate result deformability applied pressure leads compression pores. This study provides new perspectives design flexible controlled their application treatment bioseparation.