Poly(dodecyl methacrylate-co-2-(diethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) Gels: Characterization and Solubility Parameters

Abstract

In this work, a copolymer gel with hydrophobic character was synthesized from dodecyl methacrylate (DDMA) and 2-(diethylamino) ethyl methacrylate (DEAEMA) monomers in ethanol at 70 degrees C for 24 h using free radical cross-linking polymerization method. In the synthesis procedure, azobisisobutyronitrile and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate were used as the initiator and cross-linker, respectively. The gel was also prepared in the presence of a pore forming agent (poly(ethylene glycol), PEG) at the same conditions to compare its effect on the swelling and structural/thermal characteristics. The swelling behaviour of the gels was investigated in different solvents and their solubility parameters were found. Solubility parameters of P(DDMA-co-DEAEMA) and P(DDMA-co-DEAEMA)-PEG gels were calculated as 8.2 and 7.7 (cal/cm(3))(1/2), respectively. The gels were characterized by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis, and scanning electron microscopy techniques.