Effect of the Type and Content of Additives on the Physical Characterization of Poly(acrylic acid) / Silicone Hydrogel Prepared by Electron-beam Irradiation

In this study, poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)/silicone hydrogel with low mechanical properties and moisture content were studied to optimize physical properties according to the type and content of additive. The catalyst (Pt), plasticizer (Glycerin) and crosslinking agent (dihydroxyaluminium aminoacetate, DHA) were used as additives to optimize the mechanical properties and moisture content of PAA/silicone hydrogel. When 2 wt% of glycerin was added to PAA/silicone hydrogel, the gel strength deceased by about 10%, but the flexibility was sharply improved by about 170%. At a radiation dose of 25 kGy, the gel strength of PAA/silicone hydrogel with Pt content of 2 wt% or more was approximately equal to 40 kPa. When the DHA content was 0.25 wt%, the gelation was 95%, and the gel strength was about 152 kPa, indicating optimal properties