Surface Modification of SBR and NR by Hydrophilic Monomers (U) : Effect of Water Uptake, Wettability and Biocompatibility

Acrylamide and acrylic acid have been grafted to the surface of two vulcanizate natural and styrene-butadiene rubbers using the simultaneous radiation method. Various conditions, including differing monomer concen-trations and additives, have been used. The treated rubbers have been characterized by measuring water uptake, hardness and tensile strength. In addition, some initial biocompatibilily trials have been conducted, using cell attachment and spreading of Aveolar macrophages on the surface of the modified and unmodified samples as criteria. The physical and mechanical properties of the resulting copolymers have also been studied. Key Words: SBR, NR, surface modification, hydrophilic monomers, biocompatibilit