Swelling kinetics and stimuli-responsiveness of poly(DMAEMA) hydrogels prepared by UV-irradiation

Swelling kinetics and responsive properties of poly(DMAEMA) hydrogels synthesized by UV-irradiation were studied. The swelling process in a phosphate and citrate buffer solution at 25 degreesC was found to be non-Fickian. As pH was increased, the swelling process would tend to be Fickian kinetics. The hydrogel proved to be pH-sensitive at about pH = 3. Equilibrium swelling ratios would decrease with rising ionic strength. The hydrogel was thermosentive as well and the LCST in water is about 40 degreesC. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.Chemistry, PhysicalNuclear Science & TechnologyPhysics, Atomic, Molecular & ChemicalSCI(E)EI36ARTICLE165-686