Synthesis and swelling characteristics of poly(4-vinylpyridine) gels crosslinked by irradiation

The effect of irradiation under vacuum on thermal properties and swelling b ehavior on poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) was investigated. The gel percentag e in the irradiated P4VP films was determined by Soxhlet extraction. W spec troscopy was also used to determine sol percentage, which decreased as the radiation dose increased. The changes in thermal properties, such as glass- transition temperature (T-g), were followed by differential scanning calori metry before and after Soxhlet extraction. The gels prepared after irradiat ion were characterized with respect to their swelling properties and networ k structures. (C) 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.