Comparison of polymer networks synthesized by conventional free radical and RAFT Copolymerization Processes In Supercritical Carbon Dioxide

Abstract

There is a debate in the literature on whether or not polymer networks synthesized by reversible deactivation radical polymerization (RDRP) processes, such as reversible addition-fragmentation radical transfer (RAFT) copolymerization of vinyl/divinyl monomers, are less heterogeneous than those synthesized by conventional free radical copolymerization (FRP). In this contribution, the syntheses by FRP and RAFT of hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethylene methacrylate (HEMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2), using Krytox 157 FSL as the dispersing agent, and the properties of the materials produced, are compared. The materials were characterized by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), swelling index (SI), infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Studies on ciprofloxacin loading and release rate from hydrogels were also carried out. The combined results show that the hydrogels synthesized by FRP and RAFT are significantly different, with apparently less heterogeneity present in the materials synthesized by RAFT copolymerization. A ratio of experimental (Mcexp) to theoretical (Mctheo) molecular weight between crosslinks was established as a quantitative tool to assess the degree of heterogeneity of a polymer network.