• Macromolecular Research
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• v.10 no.2
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• pp.115-121
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• 2002

Synthesis of polymers with controlled thermosensitive properties was carried out by conventional radical copolymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm) with N-vinylpyrrolidone (NVP) taken as a hydrophilic comonomer. Lower activity of NVP rather than NIPAAm was revealed by gravimetric and $^1$H NMR analysis. Thermosensitive properties of the copolymers were investigated. It was found that aqueous solutions of the copolymers undergo thermo-induced phase transition and become opaque, precipitate or gel with heating. After formation of the gels their significant contraction was observed at storage. Swelling degree and amount of expelled water were measured in dependence on the copolymer composition, temperature and ionic strength of environment medium and concentration of the solution. It was determined that in collapsed state gels exhibit quite high water content. According to physico-chemical properties of the copolymers observed they could be suitable for biomedical application as an injectable implant material.