2.3.3. Rheological study
A rheological study of the hydrogels was performed with a rheometer (model Physica MCR 301 Anton Paar) using parallel plates. The goal of this study was to determine the storage modulus (G′) and loss modulus (G″) of the hydrogels. Before the rheological study was performed, the samples were allowed to swell in water for 2 days until the hydrogel achieved an equilibrium swollen state. Values of G′ and G″ were then recorded using the rheometer with an angular frequency of 0.1–100 rad s−1 at constant shear strain (γ = 1%) and at constant temperature (27 °C).