Gamma radiation synthesis of functional hydrogel based on PDMAEMA

Poly (dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) has attracted extensive attention due to the temperature and pH dual stimulus sensitivities. In recent years, we have done plenty of works on the radiation synthesis, structure, swelling behavior and applications of PDMAEMA hydrogel as well as its derivative hydrogels. Herein, PDMAEMA hydrogels and a series of amphiphilic poly (methacryloxyalkyl dimethylethane) ammonium bromide (PMADAB) hydrogels were successfully synthesized by using γ-ray radiation with poly (ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate) as cross-linker. Effects of radiation conditions, temperature, ionic strength, pH and gel structure on the swelling behavior of the resultant hydrogels were comprehensively investigated. Furthermore, Adsorption behavior of Cr (Ⅵ) ions of PDMADAB hydrogels were also carefully studied, and we found that the maximum theoretical Cr (Ⅵ) uptake of PMADAB (n < 8)gel was 147 ∼ 210 mg g^-1. It is expected that the PDMAEMA and PMADAB hydrogels would find potential applications in drug release and waste water treatment. (authors)