Carbon nanotubes(CNTs) composite hydrogels were synthesized by radiation polymerization.The microstructure of CNTs was characterized by FT-IR and TEM.Effects of the CNTs on swelling and compressive properties of the hydrogels were investigated.Obvious changes were observed in structure of CNTs modified by combining gamma-ray irradiation and mixed acid treatment
becoming shorter tubes with opening ends
and their dispersibility and stability in water were markedly improved.The PNIPAM/CNTs composite hydrogels are temperature sensitive
with a lower critical solution temperature(LCST) of about 35°C.Compression performance of the PNIPAM/ CNTs composite hydrogels was improved