Amphiphilic urethane acrylate hydrogels having heterophasic gel structure: Swelling behaviors and mechanical properties

Amphiphilic urethane acrylate hydrogels containing ionic group (dimethylopropionic acid, DMPA) were prepared by varying the molecular weight of the soft segment (polyether type, PTMG) and type of diisocyanate, and their swelling behaviors and mechanical properties were examined. They showed amphiphilic property due to the hydrophilic ionic groups and hydrophobic polyethers comprising the urethane acrylate network. Heterophasic gel structure could be found for the hydrogels prepared in water, but not for the hydrogels in organic solvent (1,4-dioxane), through scanning electron microscopy. Because of this heterophasic gel structure, they were able to take in a large amount of water as well. The hydrophobic interaction generated by the polyether soft segments between urethane acrylate network chains decreased the degree of swelling, however, increased reversibly the tensile strengths at equilibrium swelling state. MDI-based hydrogel showed low swelling ratio and high tensile strength because of its ordered hard domain structure. These amphiphilic urethane acrylate hydrogels showed salt- and pH-dependent swelling behaviors.