Namhyun Kim

Mr. Namhyun Kim


Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

2Years (2025-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
24 February 2025 in Gels
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
SSSunggyu Shin
Sunggyu Shin
SKSangjin Kim
Sangjin Kim
SHSukhyeon Hong
Sukhyeon Hong
NKNamhyun Kim
Namhyun Kim
JKJuhwan Kang
Juhwan Kang
Jae Hyun JeongJae Hyun Jeong
Jae Hyun Jeong
Superabsorbent hydrogels used in products like diapers, hygiene items, and medical patches depend on their swelling ratio. However, improving the swelling performance across hydrogel assemblies remains challenging. This study identifies a decline in the water absorption capacity in hydrogel assemblies with high swelling ratios, as confirmed through MRI analysis, and introduces a solution using a branched crosslinker to address this issue. The branched crosslinker was synthesized by grafting acrylate groups onto poly(aspartic acid)s. This branched poly(aspartic acid) crosslinker was incorporated into hydrogels with the same number of acrylate groups as PEGDA575, a conventional linear crosslinker, and their absorption performance and behavior were compared. The results showed that hydrogels with the branched crosslinker exhibited a swelling ratio twice as high as the PEGDA575 group, with a slower initial absorption rate, demonstrating a more gradual swelling behavior. Additionally, while the initial absorption rate was approximately 30% slower than the PEGDA575 group, the absorption rate showed a gradual decrease of less than 15% within the first 30 min, indicating sustained absorption behavior. Overall, the new strategy presented in this study of introducing a branched crosslinker into hydrogels is expected to be a useful application for existing industries by enhancing swelling ratios and promoting continuous absorption.