Pressurized polymerization for reaction casting of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)

Abstract

Homopolymers of the hydrogel poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) are produced with no observable bubbles trapped in the lattice by performing the free radical initiated polymerization reaction under pressure (700 kPa). Implantable hydrogel structures of intricate and exact geometry, such as nipples for ureteral anastomoses in the prosthetic urinary bladder, can be made using this technique.