| Abstract: | Degradable acrylate hydrogels have been synthesized by using hydrolytically unstable crosslinkers which break down with prolonged exposure to water. Chelated zirconium alkoxide compounds were used to crosslink poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) gels which degraded within days to weeks as the crosslinkers hydrolyze. Several types of crosslinkers were synthesized by varying the zirconium alkoxide and the number of crosslinking vinyl groups attached to the alkoxide cluster. UV spectroscopy and rheological measurements were used to follow the degradation of these gels. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. |
