CHARACTERIZATION OF SURGICAL ADHESIVES FROM UV-POLYMERIZED POLY(PEG DIMETHACRYLATE-CO-2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE) COPOLYMERS

Polymer samples that could be used as wound adhesives were prepared from poly(ethylene glycol)dimethacrylate (PEGDMA) and 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) copolymers in concentrations from 0 to 50 mol %. The UV copolymerization was initiated by 2,2-dimethoxy-2-phenylacetophenone (DMPA) and ultraviolet light intensities ranged from 0.1 to 0.5 mW/cm(2). The volume shrinkage during photopolymerization was observed using a dilatometric technique. The overall volume shrinkage was affected by the comonomer ratio and the nature of the PEGDMA comonomer. The rate of volume shrinkage was higher at higher ultraviolet light intensities. PEG(400)DMA-based copolymers exhibited lower glass transition temperatures than those of PEG(2O0)-based copolymers. The introduction of HEMA to the copolymers reduced both their glass transition and degradation temperatures. The equilibrium water-swelling ratio increased with increasing PEGDMA molecular weight and HEMA content. (C) 1995 John Wiley and Sons, Inc.