Phase diagram for the gelation of temperature-responsive and biocompatible poly(oligo ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) polymers in aqueous free-radical polymerization reactions
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
In this study, gel-phase diagrams of temperature-responsive and biocompatible polymers were obtained, and the characteristic gelation behaviors of the polymers were examined. The polymers are based on three oligoethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate (OEGMA) monomers with different numbers of ethylene oxide (EO) units, i.e., with side chains that differ in length. The gelation thresholds depend on the OEGMA and crosslinker concentrations as well as the side chain length. Long EO side chains fill the polymerization system and reduce the concentration of polymer overlap, resulting in a high ability to occupy the system. Furthermore, the EO side chains may engage in self-crosslinking, i.e., polymers can branch and grow from the side chains depending on their length, resulting in a high bond probability. Based on these unique behavior patterns, gelation occurs more readily as the length of the side chains increases. We also synthesized ultralow crosslinked pOEGMA gels by tuning the gelation conditions; these gels exhibited improved swelling capacity and temperature responsiveness. These results should facilitate the development of a synthesis strategy to control the physical properties and structures of these materials for advanced applications, such as biofilms, actuators, and carriers. The gel-phase diagrams of temperature-responsive and biocompatible polymers with ethylene oxide (EO) side chains that differ in length were obtained. The gelation thresholds of the polymers depend not only on the monomer and crosslinker concentrations but also on the EO side chain lengths. Long EO side chains reduce the polymer overlap concentration. Furthermore, the EO side chains can engage in self-crosslinking, i.e., polymers can grow from the side chains depending on their length. These unique behaviors indicate that gelation occurs more readily with increasing the side chain length.
期刊介绍:
Polymer Journal promotes research from all aspects of polymer science from anywhere in the world and aims to provide an integrated platform for scientific communication that assists the advancement of polymer science and related fields. The journal publishes Original Articles, Notes, Short Communications and Reviews.
Subject areas and topics of particular interest within the journal''s scope include, but are not limited to, those listed below:
Polymer synthesis and reactions
Polymer structures
Physical properties of polymers
Polymer surface and interfaces
Functional polymers
Supramolecular polymers
Self-assembled materials
Biopolymers and bio-related polymer materials
Polymer engineering.