Studies on the Development of Biodegradable Poly(HEMA)/Cloisite Nanocomposites

The structural arrangement of molecules, ions, and other molecular species in the confined spaces of nano-scale pores and mineral interlayer are a key factor in understanding transport and reactivity in many technological and biological systems. In this respect, considerable research efforts have been focused on the design of nanoscale oral sustained- and controlled-release drug delivery systems. Biodegradable polymers have long been of interest in controlled release technology because of the ability of these polymers to be reabsorbed by the body. There are not very many polymers which intercalate Cloisite, forming a good nanocomposite. The present study highlights some preliminary investigations on the synthesis of Cloisite and biodegradeable poly hydyroxyethyl methacrylate (PHEMA) nanocomposites. The nanocomposite were prepared by in situ intercalative polymerization of PHEMA within the Cloisite galleries and were characterized by spectral as well as morphological studies. POLYM. COMPOS., 30:887890, 2009. (C) 2009 Society of Plastics Engineers