Analysis of Physical Properties of Hydrogel Lenses Polymer Containing Styrene and PVP

Abstract

This research is carried out to analyze the effects of Styrene and PVP on the properties of silicone hydrogel lenses. Styrene group and PVP(Polyvinylpyrrolidone) are used as additives for a basic combination containing silicone monomer, TSMA(trimethylsilyl methacrylate) and DMA(n,n-dimethylacrylamide) added to the mix at ratios of 1~10 %. Silicone hydrogel lens is produced by cast-mold method. The polymerized lens sample is hydrated in a 0.9 % saline solution for 24 hours before its optical and physical characteristics are measured. Measurement of the physical characteristics of the produced material shows that the refractive index is 1.3682~1.4321, water content 77.11~45.73 %, visible light transmittance 95.14~88.20 %, and tensile strength 0.0652~0.3113 kgf. The results show a decrease of refractive index as the ratio of additives and water content decreases. The result of the stabilization test of polymerization show an increase of extractables along with increase of the ratio of additives, but the difference is not significant for all samples, so it can be judged that the stabilization of the polymer is maintained. Therefore, the additions of styrene and PVP should be taken into consideration for their effects on the physical properties of silicone hydrogel lens.