Non-bond crosslinked polymer hydrogels

Non-bond crosslinked polymer hydrogels of N-vinyl pyrrolidone were obtained by copolymerization with the cross linking agent cyclic octaethylene glyco l fumarate, a 29-membered ring, having a polymerizable double bond. Threadi ng of polymer chains into the macrocyclic rings is the cause for the crossl inking, These hydrogels showed a high swelling capacity in water, which cou ld be controlled either by varying the molar ratio of monomer/crosslinking agent or through copolymerization with different concentrations of hydropho bic monomers. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.