Radiation grafting of methacrylates onto silicone rubber: prototype burn wound dressing

The radiation-induced graft polymerization of 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) to silicone rubber (Silastic) sheeting has been investigated with the aim of developing an elastomeric composite for use as a burn dressing material. Polymerization is initiated by 60Co γ-ray irradiation of the elastomer immersed in an aqueous solution of monomer. Some of the physical parameters associated with grafting from aqueous solution are characterized. Factors influencing the depth and morphology of the grafts include dose, dose rate, monomer concentration and purity, and the extent of the competing homopolymerization reactions. (author)