Physical–chemical properties of xylan/PAAc magnetic semi‐interpenetrating network hydrogel

A novel magnetic semi‐IPN hydrogel based on xylan and poly(acrylic acid) was prepared, and the prepared hydrogels had excellent thermal stability, magnetic‐, and pH‐ sensitive properties. The physical‐chemical properties of the prepared hydrogels depended on the contents of xylan and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The thermal stability of the hydrogels enhanced as the contents of xylan and Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles increased; however, the equilibrium swelling ratio decreased with increasing the contents of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles and xylan. The interconnected pore channels were formed in the hydrogels and the amount of the channels increased with an increase in xylan content. The prepared hydrogels had a super‐paramagnetic property, and the magnetization increased with an increase in the content of Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. The superior characteristics of the xylan/PAAc magnetic semi‐IPN hydrogel would expand its applications in drug delivery and magnetic separation aspects. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:2317–2325, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers