Synthesis and characterization of PEPO grafted carboxymethyl guar and carboxymethyl tamarind as new thermo-associating polymers

- New thermo-associating polymers based on carboxymethyl guar (CMG) and carboxymethyl tamarind (CMT) were synthesized using PEPO [Pluronics] as LCST chain.
- Polymer solutions exhibited interesting thermo-responsive properties at moderate temperature.
- Temperature of association, Tassoc was elegantly determined by 1H NMR line width transitions and rheological experiments.
- The influence of salt and surfactants on Tassoc, indicated the “Salting out” and “Salting in” behavior, respectively.
- These polymers are non-toxic, biodegradable and show promise as smart injectables in controlled release technology.