Hydration in thermo-responsive oligoether methacrylate hydrogels studied by FT-IR spectroscopy

Hydration in thermo-responsive polymer hydrogels, such us poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylates) (POEGMAs) is a key factor in understanding their thermo-responsivity. The hydration of POEGMAs with different length of side groups was comprehensively studied for the first time. The comparative studies have shown that hydration of different hydrophilic centres in various POEGMAs is similar and independent of oligoether chain length. Only some quantitative differences in bound water structure, especially at the first stage of hydration have been found. However, the crystallinity (if it occurs) significantly impacts on the hydration process. Finally, the water structure is the closer to the bulk water structure in the fully swollen PMEO2MA hydrogel than in other POEGMA systems with longer oligoether side groups.

Automated summary

The hydration of POEGMAs with different side chain lengths was studied, showing similar hydration of different hydrophilic centers in various POEGMAs, with only quantitative differences in bound water structure. The impact of crystallinity on the hydration process was significant, and the water structure in fully swollen PMEO2MA hydrogel was closer to bulk water structure compared to other POEGMA systems with longer oligoether side groups.