Effect of γ-irradiation on the structure of poly(ethyl acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) copolymer networks for biomedical applications

Brígido Diego, R., Salmerón-Sánchez, M. , Gómez Ribelles, J.L. and Monleón Pradas, M. (2007) Effect of γ-irradiation on the structure of poly(ethyl acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) copolymer networks for biomedical applications. Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine, 18(5), pp. 693-698. (doi: 10.1007/s10856-006-0008-y)

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Abstract

The effect of the sterilization process by γ-irradiation on the structure of poly(ethyl acrylate-co-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) copolymer networks, P(EA-co-HEMA) is studied for a broad dose range (7, 15, 25 and 50 kGy) and copolymer composition interval (0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7 and 1 weight fraction of HEMA in the copolymer). γ-irradiation promotes chain scission in PHEMA homopolymer but induces new crosslinking points in PEA homopolymer. Both effects are present in the copolymers, with a net result that depends on composition. For copolymers with high HEMA fractions chain scission predominates, while, as the amount of EA in the copolymer increases, the situation changes and the net effect turns out to be an increase in the number of elastically active chains. Further, γ-irradiation strengthens the γ relaxation in PHEMA homopolymer, what suggest that the number of interchain hydrogen bonds decreases. FTIR spectroscopy reveals no oxidation as a consequence of the sterilization process.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Salmeron-Sanchez, Professor Manuel
Authors: Brígido Diego, R., Salmerón-Sánchez, M., Gómez Ribelles, J.L., and Monleón Pradas, M.
College/School:College of Science and Engineering > School of Engineering > Biomedical Engineering
Journal Name:Journal of Materials Science: Materials in Medicine
ISSN:0957-4530
Published Online:30 November 2006

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