Abstract
The comparison of behavior of a linear polymer compounds and cross-linked networks are carried out. It is shown, that the correspondence between rheological behavior of a linear polymer compound and macroscopic behavior of its cross-linked analog is determined by topology of structures describing a hydrogel as qualitatively new object as well as by the type of polymer – solvent interactions. In this situationswelling degree is completely described by the Katchalsky – Lifson’s theory. Moreover it is possible topredict microscopic behavior of macromolecular chains on the base of experimental studies of macroscopicspecimens of the gel. Such investigations may be carried out in direct way for organogels. When the gel is charged (polyelectrolyte effect takes place) it is necessary to make some correction. The fact is due to so called effect of concentration redistribution, which occurs when surface of the gel acts as a membrane. In such situation the concentration of low-molecular salt inside gel may be quite more low then the concentration of the salt outside specimen. Thus in the solutions of ionogenic salts real behavior of thespecimen is determined not average concentration of salt, but the real concentration of salt inside of thegel. Measuring this concentration experimentally it is possible to carried out investigations of chargedmacromolecular chains on the base of macroscopic specimens too.