Synthesis of charged linear and crosslinked maleic diester polymers with electron-beam irradiation

Series of maleic mono- and diester monomers have been prepared by esterification of maleic anhydride with poly(ethylene glycol) having different molecular weights, and with n-dodecyl alcohol. These monomers were copolymerized with 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid (AMPS) using different dose rates of electron-beam irradiation ranging from 40 to 150kGy. The synthesized copolymers were characterized by IR and H-1 NMR analysis. Their aggregation behaviour and viscometric properties in aqueous solutions were investigated. The crosslinked copolymers were prepared in aqueous acidic solutions at pH 1 or in the presence of 1% of N,N-methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinking agent. The final equilibrium water content and swelling capacities for the prepared hydrogels were determined in aqueous solutions at pH = 1, 6.8 and 12 at 298 K. Swelling equilibria for the prepared hydrogels were carried out in aqueous solutions of NaCl, KCl, CaCl2, Na2SO4, K-2, SO4 and CaSO4 at concentrations ranging from 1 x 10(-6) to 2M at 298K. (C) 2003 Society of Chemical Industry.