Abstract

Living ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of a hydrophilic norbornene monomer (M4) was performed successfully in air at room temperature using Grubbs’ third generation (G3) catalyst as the initiator. ROMP was then used to copolymerize M4 with a hydrophilic difunctional norbornene cross-linker to develop a rapid and efficient method for preparing hydrogels. Although intramolecular cyclization was observed under dilute conditions, the critical gelation behavior was found to agree with the mean-field theory of Flory and Stockmayer (FS theory) more consistently than that of conventional free radical polymerization systems. By changing the length of the primary polymer chains, the initial molar ratio between monomer and cross-linker, and the length of the cross-linker, the equilibrium swelling ratio and the corresponding mechanical properties of the resultant hydrogels were manipulated across a broad range.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.