Synthesis,characterization, and crosslinking of methacrylate‐telechelic PDMAAm‐b‐PDMS‐b‐PDMAAm copolymers |
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Authors: | Radhakrishnan Karunakaran Joseph P. Kennedy |
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Affiliation: | 1. Institute of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325‐3909;2. Institute of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325‐3909Institute of Polymer Science, The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio 44325‐3909 |
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Abstract: | The synthesis and molecular characterization of a new amphiphilic conetwork (APCN) designed for silicone hydrogel use is described. The synthesis strategy, outlined in Scheme 1 , calls for the preparation, by the RAFT technique, of a new methacrylate‐telechelic amphiphilic pentablock, MA‐PHEA‐b‐PDMAAM‐b‐PDMS‐b‐PDMAAm‐b‐PHEA‐MA, and its crosslinking to the target APCN. The sketch shows the architecture of the APCN (dotted lines, PDMAAm; solid lines, PDMS; clusters, MA‐based crosslinking sites; see Fig. 3 ). All six synthesis steps proceed smoothly and efficiently, and the products are optically clear, colorless membranes exhibiting properties appropriate for ophthalmic use. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 45: 4284–4290, 2007 |
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Keywords: | amphiphiles biocompatibility biomaterials block copolymers networks reversible addition fragmentation chain transfer |
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