Synthesis and characterization of alcogels based on ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate-vinyl phosphonic acid copolymers

Alcohol absorbents based on poly(ethylene glycol methyl ether methacrylate) and vinyl phosphonic acid (VPA) were prepared via solution polymerization using poly(ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) macrocrosslinker. Swelling capacity of these materials was measured in water, ethanol and methanol. Alcohol absorbency was increased with increase of VPA content that can be attributed to ability of VPA in formation of H-bonding and disassociation of phosphonic acid group to produce mobile ions. The alcogels could absorb ethanol and methanol up to 15.1 and 17.8 g/g respectively. Thermo-gravimetric analysis showed that increase in VPA concentration increased char yield and decreased the initial decomposition temperature (IDT) due to forming anhydride crosslinks during heating. Based on rheological measurements, the storage modulus was increased with increase in PEGMEMA content. The prepared alcogels were further characterized using FTIR, NMR and DMTA.