Fluid Transport in Gels

Abstract This article examines fluid transport and solvent dynamics in polymer gels, in equilibrium and under mechanical stress, and the effect of fluids on gel deformation. It also introduces a continuum model that describes the coupled phenomena of electric current, solvent flux, and deformation of gel network. This model is a generalization of the diffusio-mechanical coupling model of non-ionic gels. The discussion begins with an overview of the equilibrium state of non-ionic gels under the action of mechanical forces. This is followed by an analysis of the dynamics of non-ionic gels, especially the relaxation of mechanical responses caused by solvent flow. The article concludes with an assessment of the dynamics of ionic gels as well as the effect of electric field on solvent flow and the gel deformation.