Synthesis of thermosensitive P(NIPAAm-co-HEMA)/cellulose hydrogels via “click” chemistry

Azide-modified cellulose and alkyne-modified poly(N-isopropylacrylamide-co-hydroxylethyl methacrylate) P(NIPAAm-co-HEMA) were synthesized. The two components were cross-linked once mixed together in the presence of Cu(I) catalyst, a type of Huisgen’s 1,3-dipolar azide–alkyne cycloaddition which is also defined as “click” chemistry, leading to the in situ formation of a series of novel thermosensitive P(NIPAAm-co-HEMA)/cellulose hydrogels. The gelation process was examined via rheology. The resulted hydrogels was studied via scanning electron microscope (SEM), equilibrium swelling ratio, swelling kinetics and temperature response kinetics. The obtained data presented that the formed hydrogels exhibited favorable thermosensitive properties upon temperature changes.