Radiation polymerization of thereto-sensitive poly (N-vinylcaprolactam)

Temperature-sensitive poly (N-vinylcaprolactam) both in water-soluble state and in gel was prepared by gamma-radiation polymerization. The effects of radiation dose, radiation dose rate and monomer concentration on polymerization and the low critical solution temperature characteristics of the polymer were studied. The results show that the polymer prepared within certain radiation dose (beyond 2 kGy) and dose rate range (2-14 Gy/min) has good temperature sensitivity and uniformity. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.