Gel based systems for the development of functional materials

In the present work the development of innovative gel systems is deeply investigated. In particular, pHEMA based hydrogels were studied to understand the correlation between their structural properties and the diffusion processes of molecules and macromolecules through them, with the final aim to apply them as confining systems for the removal of copper II alteration products from bronze. Besides, hydrophilic and hydrophobic microgels were developed to create macroscopic gels with and to use them as model systems for the study of diffusion in crowded environment.