Reversible volume change of microparticles in an electric field

Abstract
Microparticles of the cross-linked sodium salt of poly(acrylate) with a diameter of 150–300 µm undergo reversible shrinkage when a d.c. electric field is applied. The shrinkage is rapid, and 90% volume change is reached within 50 s by applying an electric field of 46 V cm–1(0.3 mA). The rate of volume change is proportional to the d.c. current . From the contractile behaviour and pH measurements the contraction is explained in terms of ion transport of counter-microions in the electric field (electrokinetic phenomena).

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