Synthesis and characterization of amphiphilic networks obtained by copolymerization of poly(ethylene oxide) macromonomers with methyl methacrylate

Hydrogels whose elastic chains are constituted of hydrophilic Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) segments were obtained through free radical homopolymerization or copolymerization with methylmethacrylate (MMA) of alpha,omega-methacryloyloxy PEO macromonomers. This reaction can be conducted in water solution or in organic solvent. These networks were investigated as gels swollen to equilibrium in THF or in water. The influence of the preparation solvent on the properties of these networks was studied. The mechanical properties of the networks obtained in water are better than those of networks obtained under exactly the same conditions in organic solvents. This result can be explained by the preferential formation in water of micellar structures containing a higher concentration of polymerizable units. The influence of the concentration of the hydrophobic comonomer on the properties of these PEO networks was also examined.