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Raman spectroscopy of 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐acrylamide copolymer using gamma irradiation for cross‐linking
Author(s) -
Goheen S. C.,
Saunders R. M.,
Harvey S. D.,
Olsen P. C.
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
journal of raman spectroscopy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.748
H-Index - 110
eISSN - 1097-4555
pISSN - 0377-0486
DOI - 10.1002/jrs.1543
Subject(s) - raman spectroscopy , copolymer , monomer , polymerization , methacrylate , polymer , polymer chemistry , acrylamide , materials science , irradiation , photochemistry , chemistry , composite material , optics , physics , nuclear physics
A copolymer hydrogel was made by mixing acrylamide and 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate monomers in water and polymerizing with gamma irradiation. The progress of polymerization and the vibrational structure of the hydrogel were examined using Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra indicated that the copolymer has a molecular structure different from polyacrylamide or the individual monomers. The Raman data also indicate the presence of cross‐linking at the CO, NH 2, and OH side chains. The spectra further suggest the continuous lengthening of the backbone of the polymers with increasing gamma dose. This is shown as the increase in CC modes as CC vibrations decrease. Raman spectra changed most dramatically as the monomer mixture became a gel at a dose of approximately 320 Gy. Spectral differences were subtler with doses exceeding 640 Gy, although chain lengthening continued beyond 1500 Gy. Potential applications of the copolymer hydrogel include reconstructive tissue as well as a standard material for radiation protection dosimetry. Results are discussed in relation to other potential applications of this polymer and dose‐dependent changes in the Raman spectrum. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.