Radiolytic synthesis of Ag-poly(BIS-co-HEMA-co-IA) nanocomposites

Ag-poy(BIS-co-HEMA-co-IA) nanocomposites are prepared via in situ reduction of silver salt embedded in swollen polymer gels by employing gamma irradiation. Hydrogels based on 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate, itaconic acid and four types of poly(alkylene glycol) acrylate or methacrylate (Bisomers) were previously prepared using gamma irradiation. The nanocomposites are characterized by using UV–vis, swelling measurements and thermal analysis. Evolution of plasmon absorption detected by UV–vis spectrophotometry indicated generation of Ag nanoparticles in polymer hydrogels. Altering the structure of the hydrogels did not lead to alternation of the position of the absorption maximum. The bulk property of equilibrium swelling is dependent on the presence of the Ag nanostructures. The initial thermal stability of the polymer is slightly increased due to presence of silver as nanofiller.