Preparation and characterization of two HEMA/PVA copolymers: Poly[HEMA‐co‐(PVA‐AA)] and poly[HEMA‐co‐(PVA‐MA)]

Abstract

Abstract The copolymers of poly[HEMA‐co‐(PVA‐AA)] and poly[HEMA‐co‐(PVA‐MA)] were synthesized and characterized. The presence of PVA‐AA in the copolymer increased the mechanical strength but decreased the water content of the material. The presence of PVA‐MA, on the other hand, caused a decrease of mechanical strength and an increase of water content. The ionization of acidic group in poly[HEMA‐co‐(PVA‐MA)] resulted in the swelling of the copolymer, and the swelling extent was controlled by the change of pH. Both copolymers have great potential in biomedical application. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.