Photo‐Crosslinking and Reductive Decrosslinking of Polymethacrylate‐Based Copolymers Containing 1,2‐Dithiolane Rings

Abstract

Abstract This study first describes a straightforward approach for the preparation of polymethacrylate‐based networks containing variable amounts of lipoates. For this purpose, butyl methacrylate and a 1,2‐dithiolane derivative of hydroxymethylmethacrylate are copolymerized in different ratios by free‐radical polymerization with the formation of linear network precursors. After optimizing the copolymerization conditions, the ultraviolet (UV)‐induced crosslinking behavior is studied. The latter is possible because of the presence of 1,2‐dithiolane moieties, which can be photolytically cleaved and recombined upon UV‐irradiation. The obtained networks are analyzed in terms of swelling degree, gel fraction, and rheological behavior. Then, network decrosslinking is achieved by immersing the networks in a reducing environment. Finally, successful preliminary coating experiments are conducted, demonstrating the potential applicability of the studied materials.