Hydrogels are a fascinating class of polymers which show an immense ability of swelling under the influence of temperature, pH value or concentrations of different species in aqueous solutions. The volume change can amount up to several hundred percent. This unique behaviour is already used in such applications like disposable diapers, contact lenses or drug-delivery systems.

The ability to perform mechanical work has been shifted the technical interest more and more towards sensors and actuators exploiting the thermo-chemo-mechano-electrical coupling within hydrogels. The accuracy...

Polymers belong to an essential material group with many applications not only for polymer manufacturers but also in physics, chemistry, medicine and engineering techniques. The presented volume is the third part of a book series connecting a complete data collection with short but precise descriptions of the different quantities and their significances. The experimental determination of the physical quantities is given as well as the influence to other physical quantities. This volume helps to choose the best material for all kinds of applications also for those which are not mentioned in...