Claudia Querner

Characterization methods for radiation crosslinked poly(vinyl methyl ether) hydrogels

Abstract The paper reviews recent results of radiation crosslinking of poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME). It will give an overview of possible characterization methods for both, soluble and crosslinked PVME. The irradiation of aqueous low concentrated PVME solutions with γ-rays of low doses results in structural changes of PVME molecules. We are able to monitor changes in the chemical structure by spectroscopic methods (IR, NMR) as well as the changes of molecular parameters (e.g. molecular weight, molecular weight distribution, branches) by classical methods for polymer characterization (size exclusion chromatography with diverse detector systems, SLS, viscosimetry). The characterization of the network parameters (crosslinking density νc, molecular weight of the network chains Mc) of PVME bulkgels crosslinked by irradiation at high dose values by classical methods (swelling and compression measurements) provides incorrect results because of the high porosity of the gels. PVME microgel particles can be prepared by irradiation of a phase separated diluted aqueous PVME solution above their lower critical solution temperature. These microgels with decreased dimensions were characterized by SLS, DLS and field emission scanning electron microscopy.