Radiation preparation and swelling behavior of sodium carboxymethyl cellulose hydrogels

Sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) is a kind of degraded polymer under γ-irradiation. However, in this work, it has been found that CMC crosslinks partially to form hydrogel by radiation technique at more than 20% CMC aqueous solution. The gel fraction increases with the dose. The crosslinking reaction of CMC is promoted in the presence of N₂ or N₂O due to the increase of free radicals on CMC backbone, but gel fraction of CMC hydrogel is not high (<40%). Some important values related to this kind of new CMC hydrogel synthesized under different conditions, such as radiation yield of crosslinking G(x), gelation dose R_g, number average molecular weight of network M_c were calculated according to the Charlesby–Pinner equation. The results indicated that although crosslinked CMC hydrogel could be prepared by radiation method, the rate of radiation degradation of CMC was faster than that of radiation crosslinking due to the character of CMC itself. Swelling dynamics of CMC hydrogel and its swelling behavior at different conditions, such as acidic, basic, inorganic salt as well as temperature were also investigated. Strong acidity, strong basicity, small amount of inorganic salts and lower temperature can reduce swelling ratio.     

Radiation preparation and application of the linear thermosensitive binary copolymers

Linear poly(NIPAAm-co-X), with X being AAc or 4-VP, was synthesized by means of γ radiation induced polymerization in tetrahydrofuran (THF). The binary copolymers obtained are possessed of water-soluble, temperature sensitivity. It was also found that raising pH leads to a higher LCST when X is AAc.

Prepared copolymers were used to concentrate metal ions, such as UO₂²⁺¡¢RE³⁺ and Cr(VI) in dilute aqueous solution, which showd obvious concentration effect. The conditions of ion concentration were given and the mechanism was discussed preliminary.     

Radiation preparation and thermo-response swelling of interpenetrating polymer network hydrogel composed of PNIPAAm and PMMA

Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel composed of hydrophilic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) and hydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) were synthesized by sequential IPN method using γ-rays from ⁶⁰Co source. Compared with pure PNIPAAm hydrogel, PNIPAAm/ PMMA IPN hydrogel not only behaved with obvious temperature sensitivity, but also had higher mechanical strength. The shrinking rate of the prepared IPN hydogel was slower than that of PNIPAAm hydrogel and the relative shrinkage was higher than that of PNIPAAm hydrogel. The IPN hydrogel with less PMMA was not stable while with more PMMA it was quite stable. In addition, the release of Methylene Blue (MB) from the IPN hydrogel was slower than that from PNIPAAm hydrogel as well.     

Synthesis and characterization of thermally reversible macroporous poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogels

Macroporous hydrogels are characterized by large pore sizes, high pore volumes, and high specific surface area. Besides these characteristics, macroporous hydrogels based on thermally reversible polymers respond to temperature changes much faster than hydrogels prepared by a conventional method. Crosslinked poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (polyNIPAAm) forms a thermally reversible hydrogel which shows a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) ca. 33°C in aqueous solutions. We have synthesized thermally reversible polyNIPAAm hydrogels having macroporous structures by a new method. These macroporous hydrogels have large pore volumes, large average pore sizes, and faster macromolecule permeation rates in comparison to conventional polyNIPAAm hydrogels synthesized by a conventional method. Compared with conventional polyNIPAAm hydrogels, the macroporous polyNIPAAm hydrogels have higher swelling ratios at temperatures below the LCST and exhibit faster deswelling and reswelling rates. The deswelling rates are especially rapid. These thermally reversible macroporous hydrogels may be very useful in controlled active agent delivery and toxin removal, as well as dewatering of solutions. Peptides or proteins may behave as if they were in bulk solution within the large aqueous pores, and this may reduce their inactivation when such gels are used for their storage and later release. The gels may also be useful in microrobotic devices due to their fast response to temperature. © 1992 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Radiation grafting of dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate onto poly(propylene)

Radiation-induced grafting of dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate onto poly(propylene) films by preirradiation method in presence of air was investigated. The effects of monomer concentration, preirradiation dose and temperature on grafting value as well as the effect of grafting value on crystallinity of the modified polymer were determined.     

Radiation inactivation study of aminopeptidase: probing the active site

Ionizing radiation inactivated purified chicken intestinal aminopeptidase in media saturated with gases in the order N₂O>N₂>air. The D₃₇ values in the above conditions were 281, 210 and 198 Gy, respectively. OH radical scavengers such as t-butanol and isopropanol effectively nullified the radiation-induced damage in N₂O. The radicals (SCN)₂^•−, Br₂^•− and I₂^•− inactivated the enzyme, pointing to the involvement of aromatic amino acids and cysteine in its catalytic activity. The enzyme exhibited fluorescence emission at 340 nm which is characteristic of tryptophan. The radiation-induced loss of activity was accompanied by a decrease in the fluorescence of the enzyme suggesting a predominant influence on tryptophan residues. The enzyme inhibition was associated with a marked increase in the K_m and a decrease in the V_max and k_cat values, suggesting an irreversible alteration in the catalytic site. The above observations were confirmed by pulse radiolysis studies.     

Radiation induced effects on particulate composites from epoxy resin and fly-ash

In this paper gamma-radiation damages and effects on an epoxide matrix and on its particulate composite with coal fly ash have been studied; the curing of both formulations was carried out at room temperature by means of tetraethylenepentamine and of a tailored polyalkylenepolyaminophenolic product. The change on mechanical properties following the irradiation in air at room temperature has been tested as a function of the total absorbed dose. The chemical modification induced by the ionizing radiation on the matrices have been investigated by means of infrared spectrophotometry and differential scanning calorimetry. The high radiation resistance of the matrix and above all of the particulate composite suggests its use for the confinment of low and medium activity radwastes (nuclear or medical).     

Radiation synthesis of superabsorbent poly(acrylic acid)–carrageenan hydrogels

A series of superabsorbent hydrogels were prepared from carrageenan and partially neutralized acrylic acid by gamma irradiation at room temperature. The gel fraction, swelling kinetics and the equilibrium degree of swelling (EDS) of the hydrogels were studied. It was found that the incorporation of even 1% carrageenan (sodium salt) increases the EDS of the hydrogels from 320 to 800 g/g. Thermal analysis were carried out to determine the amount of free water and bound water in the hydrogels. Under optimum conditions, poly(acrylic acid)–carrageenan hydrogels with high gel fraction (80%) and very high EDS (800 g/g) were prepared gamma radiolytically from aqueous solution containing 15% partially neutralized acrylic acid and 1–5% carrageenan. The hydrogels were also found to be sensitive to the pH and the ionic strength of the medium.     

Poly (acryloyl- -proline methyl ester) hydrogels obtained by radiation polymerization for the controlled release of drugs

Thermosensitive hydrogels were obtained by radiation-induced polymerization of acryloyl- -proline methyl ester in the presence of a crosslinking agent. The measurements of equilibrium water content in the temperature range between 0° and 60°C showed that the samples swelled at low temperatures while they shrank at high temperatures. These hydrogels were used as drug delivery systems for the controlled release of insulin. In vivo studies carried out on diabetic rats ascertained a significant reduction in the hyperglycemic level in the blood which continued for about 2 months.     

Synthesis and properties of thermally reversible polyesters

Thermally reversible polyesters were obtained by the ester formation reaction of thermoplastic polyesters with hydroxyl end groups and the diacid anhydride of tetra carboxylic acid as a thermally reversible chain extender. Typical example of the thermally reversible polyesters was obtained by the reaction of PBT (polyburylene terephthalate) and PMA (pyromellitic dianhydride). This material having twice as large molecular weight as the original PBT exhibited almost the same melt viscosity as the original. Also that thermally reversible chain extension reaction occurred without unfavorable side reaction such as cross-linking. This material shows both good processability and superior mechanical properties due to its thermally reversible characters.     

Radiation preparation of PVA-g-NIPAAm in a homogeneous system and its application in controlled release

Thermosensitive PVA-g-NIPAAm copolymers were prepared by graft copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) onto poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) in homogeneous system of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) by ⁶⁰Co-γ irradiation at room temperature. The factors of affecting the grafting yield, such as radiation dose, dose rate, acid concentration, were investigated. It was found that the grafting yield was increased with dose up to 30 kGy, but decreased slightly with dose rate from 61.2 to 50.1 Gy/min. The acid concentration also had influence on the grafting yield. Then the hydrogel of PVA-g-NIPAAm copolymer was made through a freezing–thawing process. The PVA-g-NIPAAm hydrogel exhibited obvious thermal sensitivity, which was observed from the differences of swelling behavior in water at different temperatures (below or above LCST). In addition, the release of Methylene Blue (MB) from this kind of hydrogel was studied. The release rate of MB from PVA-g-NIPAAm copolymer hydrogel at 48°C was faster than that at 15°C due to the shrinkage of the hydrogel at 48°C.     

Radiation induced synthesis and swelling characterization of thermo-responsive N-isopropylacrylamide-co-ionic hydrogels

Two-component thermo-responsive hydrogels poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-vinylbenzyltrimethylammonium chloride (NIPA-co-VBT) and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-p-sodium styrene sulphonate (NIPA-co-SSS) were prepared by using high energy gamma radiation. The gels were characterized by Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and sol-gel analysis. The presence of ionic monomers in NIPA leads to lower gel content. Introduction of ionic components in the matrix enhanced swelling extent but caused slower volume transition. The swelling studies in alcohol indicated that swelling extent was function of polarity of the swelling medium and all gels followed the order water > methanol > ethanol > iso-propanol. In mixed co-solvents (water-alcohol), they exhibit complex reentrant behavior. The co-polymer gels containing VBT swelled faster and to higher extent than those containing SSS. The dynamic swelling studies indicated that diffusion of water in PNIPA gel shifts from Fickian for PNIPA to anomalous for NIPA-co-ionic gels also the mean swelling time (MST) decreases for gels containing ionic monomers.     

Rheology and phase behavior of thermo‐reversible pentablock terpolymer hydrogel

Thermo‐reversible phase behaviors and rheological properties of a pentablock terpolymer solution, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(propylene oxide)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM₁₅₀‐PEO₁₃₆‐PPO₄₅‐PEO₁₃₆‐PNIPAM₁₅₀), are investigated in comparison with its precursor, PEO₁₃₆‐PPO₄₅‐PEO₁₃₆ (F108). It is found that the critical gelation concentration of the terpolymer solution is only about 11 wt %, which is significantly lower than that of F108 solution (～22 wt %). The 11 wt % terpolymer solution displays higher viscosity, stronger gel strength, and fast thermo‐responsive behavior compared with the 22 wt % F108 solution. The 11 wt % terpolymer solution shows a typical Newtonian fluid behavior at 30 °C due to the presence of individual spherical micelles, and presents an elastic gel property at 41 °C because of the formation of the close‐packed micelle aggregates. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) and variable‐temperature ¹H NMR results demonstrate that the sol–gel phase transition mechanism is mainly related to the hydrophilic/hydrophobic transition of PPO and PNIPAM groups by external temperature stimulus. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013 , 51, 1335–1342     

Radiation sterilization and identification of gizzard slices

An orthogonal test of 4 factors of radiation dose, storage temperature, storage time, and sanitation of cutting places was carried out to optimize the conditions for disinfection of gizzard slices. In the optimized condition, both the sanitary quality and the shelf-life of gizzard slices were improved. To identify irradiated gizzard slices, the sensory change, and the levels of water-soluble nitrogen, amino acid, total volatile basic nitrogen, peroxide value, vitamin C consumption and KMnO₄ consumption were determinated. No significant change was observed except for the color which was light brown on the surface of irradiated slices.     

Research on radiation stability of polypropylene

The effect of isotacticity of polypropylene(PP) on its radiation stability has been investigated in the present work. It was found that (1) The G value of H₂ and CH₄ is smaller if isotacticity of PP is higher; (2) It is easier to be crosslinked by radiation for the PP with higher isotacticity; (3) The shape of DSC peak changes smaller after irradiation for PP with higher isotacticity. These results have been explained by the measurement of ¹³C-NMR and small angle X-ray scattering.     

Intelligent drug delivery systems obtained by radiation

Radiation-induced polymerization of acryloyl-L-proline methyl ester, an -aminoacid-containing monomer, in the presence of a crosslinking agent and a hydrophilic monomer gave rise to polymer hydrogels whose water content at equilibrium was found to decrease as the swelling temperature increased. Some hydrogel samples were obtained with entrapped acetaminophen, an analgesic and antipyretic drug. It was ascertained that the release of the drug was controlled by both the hydrophilicity of the polymer matrices and the environmental temperature.     

Synthesis of fast-swelling superabsorbent hydrogels: effect of crosslinker type and concentration on porosity and absorption rate

Fast-swelling highly porous superabsorbent hydrogels were synthesized through a rapid solution polymerization of concentrated partially neutralized acrylic acid under normal atmospheric conditions. Acetone and sodium bicarbonate were used as porosity generators (porogens) during polymerization process for porosity generation. N,N^′-methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) and 1,4-butanedioldiacrylate were used as the water- and the oil-soluble crosslinkers, respectively. The temperature changing of the reaction mixture during polymerization and foam formation process was monitored and investigated in details. Time and sequence of addition of the porogens and gelation time were recognized to be important to increase efficiency of the porogens. The concentration of the crosslinkers on gelation time was optimized to achieve highly porous products. It was found that higher crosslinker concentration, especially in the case of MBA, causes decreased gelation times. Shorter gelation time resulted in more porogen bubbles trapped in the viscose reaction mixture led to products with higher porosity. The effect of type and concentration of the crosslinking agents on the process and swelling behavior of the hydrogels (in water and saline solutions) were investigated. Power law relationships were found for the variation of swelling in terms of either crosslinker or saline concentration. Less sensitivity to the change of salinity was achieved by employing higher amount of crosslinker.     

Studies on phase transition processes of radiation synthesized hydrogels

PAM hydrogel and P(AM-NaA) (polyacrylamide-sodium acrylate) copolymer hydrogels with different AM/NaA ratios by radiation polymerization of aqueous solutions were synthesized. For further developing sensitive materials, we investigated the phase transition processes of all of the hydrogels in acetone-water solutions (so called A-W).     

Synthesis and swelling behavior of comb‐type grafted hydrogels by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization

The comb‐type grafted hydrogels poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐g‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM‐g‐PNIPAM) and poly(acrylic acid)‐g‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PAAc‐g‐PNIPAM) were prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization. A macromolecular chain‐transfer agent was prepared first. Then, hydrogels were obtained by a reaction with a comonomer (N‐isopropylacrylamide or acrylic acid) in the presence of N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker. The equilibrium swelling ratios and the swelling and deswelling kinetics of PNIPAM‐g‐PNIPAM were measured. The effects of the chain length and amount on the swelling behavior were investigated. The deswelling mechanism was illustrated. Meanwhile, the PAAc‐g‐PNIPAM hydrogel was used to confirm the versatility of this novel method. It was prepared in an alcoholic medium, whereas hydrogen‐bonding complexes formed in 1,4‐dioxane, which was chosen as the reaction medium for the PNIPAM‐g‐PNIPAM hydrogel. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2615–2624, 2005