Graft copolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethylmethacrylate onto chitosan films and their blood compatibility

Abstract This article examines the blood compatibility of chitosan grafted with 2‐hydroxyethyl‐methacrylate (HEMA) using 60Co gamma radiation. The effect of various syntheses conditions on the grafting was determined. The solvent composition has a marked effect on the degree of grafting. Maximum yield was obtained in an equivolume mixture of a water–methanol system. The percent grafting increased with the increase in the monomer concentration up to 20 vol % in a total dose of 0.216 Mrad. The percent grafting was found to be higher at a lower dose rate for a constant total dose of 0.216 Mrad. The swelling of grafted chitosan films decreased on increasing graft level. The grafted copolymers showed improved blood compatibility as compared to original chitosan sample. © 1994 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.