Synthesis of polyvinyl alcohol with methacrylate groups and of hydrogels based on it

Polyvinyl alcohol containing unsaturated methacrylate groups was prepared by the reaction of polyvinyl alcohol with glycidyl methacrylate and was characterized by IR and 1 H NMR spectroscopy. The influence of temperature, molecular mass of polyvinyl alcohol, and reactant concentration and ratio on the rate and limiting degree of substitution of hydroxy groups by methacrylate groups was examined. The modified polyvinyl alcohol is capable of cross-linking under mild conditions by the radical mechanism with the formation of biocompatible biodegradable hydrogels.