The effects of synthesis conditions and comonomer ratio, on the phase transition behavior of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-methacrylic acid), were studied. Copolymers were prepared under varying conditions of pH, temperature and in the presence of dissolved additives; including, naphthyridines and xanthines such as theophylline. The phase transition behavior was investigated by measuring visible light scattering and polarization of fluorescently-labeled copolymers. The polarity within the copolymer globules was studied, by pyrene fluorescence. The sensitivity of the copolymers to pH and varying concentrations of additives was also investigated. The synthesis temperature and presence of additives was shown to have a significant effect on the thermal phase transition and pH sensitivity of PNIPAAm-co-MAA. Synthesis of NIPAAm copolymers at higher temperatures and in the presence of additives may influence the sequence and distribution of the comonomers, resulting in different phase transition behavior.

Effects of preparation conditions on the thermal phase 
transition of un-crosslinked <i>N</i>-isopropylacrylamide copolymers

240th National Meeting (2010)

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Effects of preparation conditions on the thermal phase transition of un-crosslinked N-isopropylacrylamide copolymers