Work

Synthesis of hydrogels viaring-opening metathesispolymerization: factors affecting gelation

Year: 2010

Type: article

Abstract: Ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) was used to synthesize hydrogels via copolymerization of a diamine monomer 3 and a novel cross-linker 5 using Grubbs' third generation catalyst as initiator. Reactions were performed at two different monomer concentrations and at various initial molar ratios of cross-linker to initiator. At low monomer concentration, gelation occurred at initial cross-linker to initiator ratios of 1.5 and greater, which decreased to values of 1.05 and greater when increasing the monomer concentration. This result is in agreement with the Flory–Stockmayer theory. The gel yield and swelling properties were also found to be dependent on the cross-linker to initiator molar ratios. GPC data of the sol fractions showed quantitative consumption of both the monomer and the cross-linker. The molecular weight of the sol fraction was independent of the initiator concentration at constant cross-linker concentration of 2.5 mol%. Gels were found to swell up to 72 times their weight in 0.9% NaCl solution.

Source: Polymer Chemistry

DOI: 10.1039/c0py00151a

Authors: Ahmad E. Madkour, Joshua M. Grolman, Gregory N. Tew

Institution: University of Massachusetts Amherst

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funders: Center for Hierarchical Manufacturing, National Science Foundation, Office of Naval Research, Division of Civil, Mechanical and Manufacturing Innovation

Awards: G6640467856, G8876996369