pH-sensitive dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA)/acrylamide (AAm) hydrogels:: Synthesis and adsorption from uranyl acetate solutions

A random copolymer of dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate (DMAEMA) and acrylamide(AAm) [poly(DMAEMA/AAm)], with a pH-sensitive character, was prepared by a redox polymerization method. Increasing the DMAEMA content of the gel, the pH, and the ionic strength of the solution decreased the swelling ratios of the hydrogels. The adsorption of poly(DMAEMA/AAm) hydrogels from uranyl acetate (UA) solutions was studied at different pHs. The adsorption capacity of hydrogels increased from 200 to 1200 mg of UA per gram of dry hydrogel with increasing pH of the adsorption solution. (C) 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.