| Abstract: | The aim of this study was to examine two different synthetic routes for obtaining new hydrophilic matrices either by the modification of a synthetic matrix or by the copolymerization of hydrophilic monomers. First, the acrylic acid‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (AAc‐EGDMA) matrix, obtained from suspension with cyclohexane as the diluent at 70 °C after 2 h of reaction, was used as a base to be modified with TRIS(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane (TRIS). Experimental variables affecting the carbodiimide‐mediated amide‐bond development (i.e., the type of carbodiimide, reaction time, pH, and concentration of the matrix in the reaction medium) on the synthetic AAc‐EGDMA matrix with TRIS were studied. Second, the N‐acryloyl‐TRIS(hydroxymethyl)aminomethane‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (NAT‐EGDMA) matrix was obtained under the same experimental conditions as reported for AAc‐EGDMA. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 38: 489–497, 2000 |
