Synthesis and investigation of copolymer properties on the basis of poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate and methacrylic acid

In the result of reaction of free radical copolymerization of poly(ethylene glycol) fumarate and methacrylic acid insoluble copolymers of different weight composition were obtained. Influence of ionic strength of the solution, organic solvents on the level of swelling of synthesized copolymers was studied. According to the result of the research, it is possible to make the conclusion that ratio of monomeric units in copolymer, as well as concentration of low-molecular components in the solution significantly influence the perceptivity of polymeric gels to the presence of low-molecular salts (NaCl and CaCl2), organic solvents (DMSO, DMF, and ethanol). When the share of methacrylic acid is decreased in copolymer, the perceptivity of gels to admixtures of low-molecular salts and organic solvents is decreased. This is conditioned both by increase of the content of carboxyl groups in the macrochain, and density decrease of polymer network. Observed influence of ionic strength confirms contribution of both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions in process of swelling-collapse of samples examined. It is shown that changing the nature of comonomer, we can obtain the hydrogels with the ability to turgesce or collapse at change of ionic strength, thermodynamic quality of the solution, and with variation of ratio of comonomer units it is possible to regulate the intervals of swelling and compression of polymer networks. As well, results of X-ray energy-dispersive microanalysis show that examined polymeric systems based on copolymers p-EGF - MAA might be in demand as sorbent agents in purification and beneficiation technologies.