Synthesis and characterization of polyethylene oxide (PEO)—N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) hydrogel by gamma radiation

Novel polyethylene oxide (PEO)/N,N-dimethylacrylamide (DMA) blend hydrogel (PD hydrogel) has been prepared by applying gamma radiation on aqueous mixture of PEO and DMA. Different concentrations of DMA have been blended with aqueous solution of PEO and then gamma radiation of different doses was applied to form the hydrogels. The synthesized hydrogels were characterized using Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The effect of different radiation doses, concentration of monomers on the properties of prepared hydrogel (PD hydrogel), such as gel content, swelling behavior, and mechanical properties (Tensile strength) was investigated thoroughly. Results showed that hydrogels were formed at the experimental conditions without the use of any external cross-linker. All the prepared hydrogels showed a significantly larger swelling ratio and improved mechanical strength. Graphical abstract Novel hydrogels were prepared by applying gamma radiation on a mixture containing commercially available polymer and monomer.