New stimuli-responsive copolymers of N-acryloyl-N′-alkyl piperazine and methyl methacrylate and their hydrogels

Water-soluble copolymers of N-acryloyl-N′-alkylpiperazine (alkyl: methyl, ethyl) with methyl methacrylate were synthesized and the lower critical solution temperatures (LCSTs) of the copolymers which depend on the compositions and pH of the aqueous solutions are described. The effects of cationic surfactants and simple inorganic salts on the LCSTs are also reported. The influences of pH and temperature on the swelling of the ionizable and thermosensitive hydrogels are studied.