HYDROPHILIC-HYDROPHOBIC BINARY-SYSTEMS OF POLY(2-HYDROXYETHYL METHACRYLATE) AND POLYCAPROLACTONE .1. SYNTHESIS AND CHARACTERIZATION

Poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogels have a potential for broad biomedical applications due to their softness, high water content and high permeability in the water swollen state. Unfortunately, poor mechanical properties limit their use for biomedical applications where mechanical strength is required. Various ways of combining PHEMA with a hydrophobic biodegradable polyester, polycaprolactone (PCL), were investigated. The synthesis and physical characterization of the modified hydrogels are discussed.