Magnetic field sensitive gels, ferrogels are new promising class of
hydrogels. The coupling of hydrogels and magnetic particles has potential
application in soft actuators such as artificial muscles or for hyperthermia
application. Here a composite of magnetite particles (Fe3O4) and poly(vinyl
alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel is developed using gamma irradiation as a
crosslinking agent. PVA and Fe3O4 were chosen because of their
well-established biocompatibility, radiation crosslinking potential (PVA),
mild magnetic properties and the Curie point near desired heating temperature
range (Fe3O4). Physico-chemical characteristics of these systems show the
effect of the presence of particles in the process of radiation-induced
crosslinking. Obtained PVA/Fe3O4 ferrogel composite has greater swelling
capacity, activation energy of dehydration and dehydration rate compared to
PVA hydrogel, crosslinked under the same conditions.