Kinetics of Swelling of Compressed Cellulose Matrices: A Mathematical Model

Purpose. A model for swelling time course of compressed cellulose matrix is presented.Methods. The model incorporates the two most important features: water penetration by diffusion and volume change due to swelling. Approximations of the model for small t values and for large t values are also derived, which are utilized in a handy routine for estimation of swelling parameters.Results. The observed time courses of thickness change with compressed matrices of methyl cellulose and hydroxypropyl cellulose agree well with the calculated values of the proposed model.Conclusions. The proposed model is compatible with the observed swelling kinetics.