Design and Properties of Degradable Networks Based on Free Radical Copolymerization of Poly(1,3‐dioxolane) Macromonomers with Hydrophobic or Hydrophilic Comonomers in Water

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Abstract
Summary: Potentially degradable amphiphilic or hydrophilic copolymeric networks were synthesized directly in water by free radical copolymerization of α, ω‐poly(1,3‐dioxolane) (PDXL) macromonomers with vinyl monomers such as methyl methacrylate, butyl methacrylate, styrene or 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate. Since PDXL macromonomers behave typically as amphiphiles, the rates of copolymerizations with hydrophobic comonomers are much higher than those of similar reactions carried out in organic solvents. Therefore crosslinking in water takes place rapidly. Once swollen to equilibrium in appropriate solvents, the physicochemical properties of the amphiphilic (or hydrophilic) copolymeric PDXL networks were investigated. The volume degree of equilibrium swelling and uniaxial compression modulus strongly depended upon the macromonomer molar mass (and concentration), and also the hydrophobic/hydrophilic balance. Their solid state properties were examined by DSC and compared to those of homopolymeric PDXL networks. Amphiphilic PDXL conetworks synthesized directly in water by free radical copolymerization of bifunctional PDXL macromonomers with hydrophobic comonomers such as styrene or butyl methacrylate. magnified image Amphiphilic PDXL conetworks synthesized directly in water by free radical copolymerization of bifunctional PDXL macromonomers with hydrophobic comonomers such as styrene or butyl methacrylate.