A new photopolymerization system for vinyl monomers

A mixture of Ce⁺³ salt and an aminomethylene phosphonic acid, such as amino tri(methylene phosphonic acid) (ATMP), diethylene triamine penta(methylene phosphonic acid), N,N‐di(methylene phosphonic acid) ethanol amine, N,N‐di(methylene phosphonic acid)‐N‐methylamine, N‐oxo‐N,N,N‐tri(methylene phosphonic acid), or 1‐hydroxy‐ethylidene‐1,1‐diphosphonic acid, was used for the photopolymerization of acrylonitrile, vinyl acetate, acrylic acid, and styrene in water. Molecular weights of the polymers decreased with increasing concentration of both Ce⁺³ salt and ATMP. The effect of oxygen, light, pH, and the addition order on polymerization were also studied. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 83: 2494–2499, 2002     

A study on solution properties of poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid)

Poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) (PDEA), poly(acrylic acid) (PAA), and a series of (N,N‐diethylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (DEA‐AA) random copolymers were synthesized by the method of radical polymerization. The measurement of turbidity showed that the phase behaviors of the brine solutions of the copolymers changed dramatically with the mole fraction of DEA (x) in these copolymers. Copolymers cop6 (x = 0.06) and cop11 (x = 0.11) in which acrylic acid content was higher presented the upper critical solution temperature (UCST) phase behaviors similar to PAA. Copolymer cop27 (x = 0.27) presented the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) behavior similar to PDEA. While copolymer cop18 (x = 0.18) in which acrylic acid content was moderate presented both UCST and LCST behaviors. The solution properties of the polymers were investigated by measurements of viscosity, fluorescence, and pH. It is reasonable to suggest that the sharp change of the phase behavior may be attributed to the interaction between acrylamide group and carboxylic group in the (DEA‐AA) copolymers. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Synthesis and micellization behavior of amphiphilic graft copolymer with 1‐octene as hydrophobic moiety

Two new kinds of amphiphilic copolymers were synthesized in this work. Poly(1‐octene‐co‐acrylic acid) copolymers were prepared through the copolymerization of 1‐octene and tert‐butyl acrylate, and the hydrolysis of tert‐butyl acrylate units. Poly(1‐octene‐co‐acrylic acid)‐g‐poly (ethylene glycol) copolymers were obtained from the esterification reaction between poly(1‐octene‐co‐acrylic acid) and poly(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether. They were characterized by means of ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, GPC, and FTIR. These amphiphilic copolymers can form stable micelles in aqueous solutions. The critical micelle concentration was determined by fluorescence spectroscopy. The micellar morphology and size distribution were investigated by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2010     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(acrylate amic acid) and its application as negative‐tone photosensitive polyimides

The dianhydride monomer 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenone tetracarboxylic acid dianhydride and two diamine monomers, 4,4′‐diamino‐3,3′‐biphenyldiol (HAB) and 2,4‐diaminophenol dihydrochloride (DAP), were used to synthesize a series of poly(hydroxyl amic acid). Further functionalization by grafting acrylate groups yields the corresponding poly(acrylate amic acid) that underwent a crosslinking reaction on exposure to UV‐light and was used as a negative‐tone photosensitive polyimide (PSPI). The analysis of chemical composition and molecular weight of these poly(amic acid)s determined by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography revealed that the molecular weight of the poly(hydroxyl amic acid) increased with the molar content of HAB in the feedstock, because HAB exhibited higher polymerization reactivity than DAP. Moreover, the degree of grafting acrylate groups onto poly(hydroxyl amic acid) was determined by ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy. The photoresist was formulated by adding 2‐benzyl‐2‐N,N‐dimethylamino‐1‐(4‐morpholinophenyl) butanone (IRG369) and isopropylthioxanthone as a photoinitiator, tetra(ethylene glycol) diacrylate as a crosslinker, and tribromomethyl phenyl sulfone as a photosensitizer. The PSPI precursor exhibited a photosensitivity of 200 mJ/cm² and a contrast of 1.78. A pattern with a resolution of 10 μm was observed in an optical micrograph after thermal imidization at 300°C. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2009     

Biodegradable blends of high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) with poly(3‐hydroxypropionic acid) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyric acid): a miscibility study by DSC,DMTA and NMR spectroscopy

The miscibility of high molecular weight poly(ethylene oxide) blends with poly(3‐hydroxypropionic acid) and poly(3‐hydroxybutyric acid) (P(3HB)) has been investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA) and high‐resolution solid state ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The DSC thermal behaviour of the blends revealed that the binary blends of poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(3‐hydroxypropionic acid) (OP blends) were miscible over the whole composition range while the miscibility of poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(3‐hydroxybutyric acid) blends (OB blends) was dependent on the blend composition. OB blends were found to be partly miscible at the middle P(3HB) contents (25 %, 50 %) and miscible at other P(3HB) contents (10 %, 75 % and 90 %). Single‐phase behaviour for OP blends and phase separation behaviour for OB blends were observed from DMTA. The results from NMR spectroscopy revealed that the two components in the OP50 blend were intimately mixed on a scale of about 35 nm, while the domain sizes in the OB blend with a P(3HB) content of 50 % were larger than about 32 nm. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Preparation of narrow‐disperse or monodisperse poly{[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate]‐co‐(acrylic acid)} microspheres with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate as crosslinker by distillation precipitation polymerization

Narrow‐disperse or monodisperse poly{[poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate]‐co‐(acrylic acid)} (poly(PEGMA‐co‐AA)) microspheres were prepared by distillation precipitation polymerization with ethyleneglycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as crosslinker with 2,2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile as initiator in neat acetonitrile in the absence of any stabilizer, without stirring. The diameters of the resultant poly(PEGMA‐co‐AA‐co‐EGDMA) microspheres were in the range 200–700 nm with a polydispersity index of 1.01–1.14, which depended on the comonomer feed of the polymerization. The addition of the hydrogen bonding monomer acrylic acid played an essential role in the formation of narrow‐disperse or monodisperse polymer microspheres during the polymerization. Copyright © 2006 Society of Chemical Industry     

Study of crosslinking acid copolymer/DGEBA systems by FTIR

A study of crosslinking of diglycidylether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) by four copolymers of poly(acrylic acid‐co‐styrene) having different acid group percentages, in the range 7.6–76.6%, was done by FTIR. The study was done in the isothermal mode for four different temperatures, the reaction being accelerated by triethylamine. We followed each by temperature and the variation of the area of the epoxy infrared band (912–916 cm^?1) versus time. The results showed that the mechanism was complex and depended on the acid composition in the copolymer. Three types of reaction were involved: addition esterification, etherification, and condensation esterification. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 87: 2033–2051, 2003     

Preparation of electrorheological active ionomers from poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐co‐poly(4‐vinyl pyridine)

In this study, synthesis, characterization, partial hydrolysis, and salt formation of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate)‐co‐poly(4‐vinyl pyridine), (poly(HEMA)‐co‐poly‐(4‐VP)) copolymers were investigated. The copolymers were synthesized by free radical polymerization using K₂S₂O₈ as an initiator. By varying the monomer/initiator ratio, chain lengths of the copolymers were changed. The copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), viscosity measurements, ¹H and ¹³C NMR and FTIR spectroscopies, elemental analysis, and end group analysis methods. The copolymers were partially hydrolyzed by p‐toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate (PTSA·H₂O) and washed with LiOH_(aq) solution to prepare electrorheological (ER) active ionomers, poly(Li‐HEMA)‐co‐poly(4‐VP). © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 99: 3540–3548, 2006     

Synthesis and biological activity of medium molecular weight polymers containing 3,6‐endo‐methylene‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydrophthalimidobutanoyl‐5‐fluorouracil

A new monomer, 3,6‐endo‐methylene‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydrophthalimidobutanoyl‐5‐fluorouracil (ETBFU), was synthesized by reaction of 3,6‐endo‐methylene‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydrophthalimidobutanoyl chloride and 5‐fluorouracil. The homopolymer of ETBFU and its copolymers with acrylic acid (AA) or vinyl acetate (VAc) were prepared by photopolymerization using 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone as an initiator at 25 °C. The synthesized ETBFU and its polymers were identified by FTIR, ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectroscopies. The ETBFU content in poly(ETBFU‐co‐AA) and poly(ETBFU‐co‐VAc) was 43 and 14 mol%, respectively. The apparent number‐average molecular weight (M_n) of the polymers determined by GPC ranged from 8400 to 11 300. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the samples against mouse mammary carcinoma (FM3A), mouse leukaemia (P388), and human histiocytic lymphoma (U937) cancer cell lines decreased in the order 5‐FU ≥ ETBFU > poly(ETBFU) > poly(ETBFU‐co‐AA) > poly(ETBFU‐co‐VAc). The in vivo antitumour activity of the polymers against Balb/C mice bearing sarcoma 180 tumour cells was greater than that of 5‐fluorouracil at all doses tested. © 2000 Society of Chemical Industry     

Biodegradable amphiphiles of grafted poly(lactide) onto 2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate‐co‐N‐vinylpyrrolidone copolymers as drug carriers

This article describes the synthesis and characterization of 2‐hydroxylethyl methacrylate‐co‐N‐vinylpyrrolidone copolymers, (HEMA‐co‐NVP), via free radical polymerization followed by grafting of poly(lactide) onto (HEMA‐co‐NVP) copolymers, via ring opening polymerization using tin octoate as a catalyst. The copolymers and the grafted copolymers (i.e., amphiphiles) were subjected to sustained release studies using salicylic acid, as a model drug. Characterization of the formed copolymers was performed using ¹H‐NMR, ¹³C‐NMR, FTIR, TGA, DSC, and SEM techniques. Derivative of TGA thermogram was used to determine %hydrophilicity and %hydrophobicity in the grafted and ungrafted copolymers. The SEM morphology revealed porous layers with crispy structure that were most likely due to the presence of poly(lactide) chains. At lower content of poly(lactide) moiety, grafted copolymers showed non‐Fickian diffusion release rate, whereas Fickian diffusion release rate at higher content of poly(lactide) was observed. The increase of poly(lactide) content (i.e., larger %hydrophobicity) in the copolymer increased the drug‐sustainability, due to the consistent but porous amphiphilic degradable structures that allow controllable release of drug in time interval. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Preparation and thermal response behavior of poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐a crylic acid) microgels via soap‐free emulsion polymerization based on AIBN initiator

Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (poly(NIPAM‐co‐AA)) microgels with different copolymer compositions were prepared through soap‐free emulsion polymerization at 80°C, and 2, 2′‐azobisisobutyronitrile (AIBN) was used as initiator. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) characterization shows that the prepared microgels are regular and smooth and not easy to distort. Result of ¹H‐NMR characterization shows that with increasing of the initial concentration of AA (AA in feed), the AA content in polymer chains increases. The thermal response of microgels latex was investigated by UV‐3010 spectrophometer through detecting the transmittance of the latex at different temperature in the range of 190–900 nm. The thermal response of the poly(NIPAM‐co‐AA) microgels was tested by dynamic light scattering (DLS). The results show that with the increase of AA content in polymer chains, the low critical solution temperature (LCST) of microgels latex first decreases and then increases. Still, with increasing of AA in poly(NIPAM‐co‐AA) microgels, the LCST of microgels first increases and then decreases. The basic reasons causing the changes of LCST of microgels latex and microgels are interpreted clearly in this article from the perspective of hydrogen bonding interaction. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Synthesis of poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) hydrogels with fast response rate in NaCl medium

A series of thermo‐ and pH‐sensitive poly (N,N‐diethylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (P(DEA‐co‐AA)) hydrogels were prepared in NaCl aqueous solutions with different concentrations. Swelling and deswelling studies showed that in comparison with conventional P(DEA‐co‐AA) hydrogels (prepared in distilled water), the P(DEA‐co‐AA) hydrogels thus prepared had almost the same volume phase transition temperature (VPTT), but exhibited much faster response rates as the temperature was raised above their VPTT. Besides, the hydrogels prepared by this method had faster response rates in low pH buffer solutions, and the response rates increased with the increased concentration of the NaCl solutions used during the polymerization. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008     

Synthesis and characterization of poly(hydroxamic acid)–poly(amidoxime) chelating ligands from polymer‐grafted acacia cellulose

Graft copolymerization of methyl acrylate (MA) and acrylonitrile (AN) onto acacia cellulose was carried out using free radical initiating process in which ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) was used as an initiator. The optimum grafting yield was determined by the certain amount of acacia cellulose (AGU), mineral acid (H₂SO₄), CAN, MA, and AN at 0.062, 0.120, 0.016, 0.397, and 0.550 mol L^?1, respectively. The poly(methyl acrylate‐co‐acrylonitrile)‐grafted acacia cellulose was obtained at 55°C after 2‐h stirring, and purified acrylic polymer‐grafted cellulose was characterized by FTIR and TG analysis. Therein, the ester and nitrile functional groups of the grafted copolymers were reacted with hydroxylamine solution for conversion into the hydroxamic acid and amidoxime ligands. The chelating behavior of the prepared ligands toward some metal ions was investigated using batch technique. The metal ions sorption capacities of the ligands were pH dependent, and the sorption capacity toward the metal ions was in the following order: Zn²⁺ > Fe³⁺ > Cr³⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Ni²⁺. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011     

Poly(silyl ester)s: A new route of synthesis via the condensation of Di‐tert‐butyl ester of dicarboxylic acid with dichlorosilane

Poly(silyl ester)s were synthesized by a new route via the condensation of di‐tert‐butyl ester of dicarboxylic acid with dichlorosilane by the elimination of tert‐butyl chloride as a driving force. Three new poly(silyl ester)s with molecular weights typically ranging from 2000 to 5000 amu were produced by the condensation of di‐tert‐butyl adipate with 1,5‐dichloro‐1,1,5,5‐tetramethyl‐3,3‐diphenyl trisiloxane and di‐tert‐butyl fumarate with 1,5‐dichloro‐1,1,5,5‐tetramethyl‐3,3‐diphenyl trisiloxane or 1,3‐dichlorotetramethyl disiloxane. Each polymer was characterized with infrared, ¹H‐NMR, and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy, gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. This new approach showed several advantages. First, it did not require a catalyst or solvent. Second, the tert‐butyl chloride byproduct was volatile and was easily eliminated. Third, there was no reaction between the growing poly(silyl ester)s and the condensation byproduct, tert‐butyl chloride. Fourth, the monomers could be readily purified. Finally, the polymerization could be performed at relatively low temperatures and in a short time. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 100: 1378–1384, 2006     

Synthesis and biological activity of phthalimide‐based polymers containing 5‐fluorouracil

The attachment of anticancer agents to polymers is a promising approach towards reducing the toxic side‐effects and retaining the potent antitumour activity of these agents. A new tetrahydrophthalimido monomer containing 5‐fluorouracil (ETPFU) and its homopolymer and copolymers with acrylic acid (AA) and with vinyl acetate (VAc) have been synthesized and spectroscopically characterized. The ETPFU contents in poly(ETPFU‐co‐AA) and poly(ETPFU‐co‐VAc) obtained by elemental analysis were 21 mol% and 20 mol%, respectively. The average molecular weights of the polymers determined by gel permeation chromatography were as follows: M_n = 8900 g mol^?1, M_w = 13 300 g mol^?1, M_w/M_n = 1.5 for poly(ETPFU); M_n = 13 500 g mol^?1, M_w = 16 600 g mol^?1, M_w/M_n = 1.2 for poly(ETPFU‐co‐AA); M_n = 8300 g mol^?1, M_w = 11 600 g mol^?1, M_w/M_n = 1.4 poly(ETPFU‐co‐VAc). The in vitro cytotoxicity of the compounds against FM3A and U937 cancer cell lines increased in the following order: ETPFU > 5‐FU > poly(ETPFU) > poly(ETPFU‐co‐AA) > poly(ETPFU‐co‐VAc). The in vivo antitumour activities of all the polymers in Balb/C mice bearing the sarcoma 180 tumour cell line were greater than those of 5‐FU and monomer at the highest dose (800 mg kg^?1). © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Syntheses,antitumour activities and antiangiogenesis of 1,2,3‐tris(ethoxycarbonyl)‐2‐propyl acrylate and its polymers

A new monomer, 1,2,3‐tris(ethoxycarbonyl)‐2‐propyl acrylate (TPA), was synthesized by reaction of acryloyl chloride and triethyl citrate. The homopolymer of TPA and its copolymers with acrylic acid (AA), vinyl acetate (VAc) and maleic anhydride (MAH) were prepared by polymerization using lauroyl peroxide (LPO) at 70 °C for 24 h. The structures of TPA and its polymers were identified by FTIR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR spectroscopies, and elemental analysis. The number average molecular weights and polydispersity indices of the synthesized polymers determined by GPC were in the range 4200–23 000 g mol^?1 and 1.1–2.1, respectively. The IC₅₀ values of the synthesized samples against cancer cell lines were greater than those of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU). The percentage inhibition values of SV40 DNA replication were 82.2 for TPA, 34.3 for poly (TPA), 81.9 for poly(TPA‐co‐AA), 82.0 for poly(TPA‐co‐VAc), 35.6 for poly(TPA‐co‐MAH) and 12.7 for 5‐FU. The inhibitions of SV40 DNA replication and antiangiogenesis for the synthesized TPA and its polymers are much greater than those of the control. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Grafting of poly(3‐hydroxyalkanoate) and linoleic acid onto chitosan

Poly(3‐hydroxy octanoate) (PHO), poly(3‐hydroxy butyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyvalerate) (PHBV), and linoleic acid were grafted onto chitosan via condensation reactions between carboxylic acids and amine groups. Unreacted PHAs and linoleic acid were eliminated via chloroform extraction and for elimination of unreacted chitosan were used 2 wt % of HOAc solution. The pure chitosan graft copolymers were isolated and then characterized by FTIR, ¹³C‐NMR (in solid state), DSC, and TGA. Microbial polyester percentage grafted onto chitosan backbone was varying from 7 to 52 wt % as a function of molecular weight of PHAs, namely as a function of steric effect. Solubility tests were also performed. Graft copolymers were soluble, partially soluble or insoluble in 2 wt % of HOAc depending on the amount of free primary amine groups on chitosan backbone or degree of grafting percent. Thermal analysis of PHO‐g‐Chitosan graft copolymers indicated that the plastizer effect of PHO by means that they showed melting transitions T_ms at 80, 100, and 113°C or a broad T_ms between 60.5–124.5°C and 75–125°C while pure chitosan showed a sharp T_m at 123°C. In comparison of the solubility and thermal properties of graft copolymers, linoleic acid derivatives of chitosan were used. Thus, the grafting of poly(3‐hydroxyalkanoate) and linoleic acid onto chitosan decrease the thermal stability of chitosan backbone. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103:81–89, 2007     

Development of nanocomposites of bentonite with polyaniline and poly(methacrylic acid)

Nanocomposites of bentonite with polyaniline (PANI), poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA), and poly(aniline‐co‐methacrylic acid) (PANI‐co‐PMAA) were prepared by in situ intercalative polymerization technique. The nanocomposites were characterized by FTIR and UV–visible spectroscopies, XRD, SEM, TEM, as well as TG‐DTA studies. The in situ intercalative polymerization of PANI, PMAA, and PANI‐co‐PMAA within bentonite layers was confirmed by FTIR, XRD, SEM, as well as TEM studies. XRD confirmed the intercalation of polymers and copolymer in bentonite. The average particle size of the nanocomposites was found to be in the range of 250–500 nm. The thermal stability was found be the highest for PANI‐co‐PMAA‐bentonite. The swelling behavior studies suggest that these nanocomposites hold potential for their utilization in absorption of toxic materials from waste water. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 103: 3299–3306, 2007     

Homogeneous complex solution formed through interactions of poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid)/poly(acrylamide‐co‐dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) complex with M n+ hydration metal ions in aqueous media

A homogeneous complex solution, formed through inter‐polyelectrolyte complexation of poly(acrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) (P(AM‐AA)) with poly(acrylamide‐co‐dimethyldiallylammonium chloride) (P(AM‐DMDAAC)) and interaction of the P(AM‐AA)/P(AM‐DMDAAC) complex with M ⁿ⁺ hydrated metal ion, was prepared and the structure and properties of the P(AM‐AA)/P(AM‐DMDAAC)/M ⁿ⁺ homogeneous complex solution were studied by UV spectrometry, dynamic light scattering and viscometry. The experimental results show that the homogeneous complex solution can be obtained by controlling the composition of the P(AM‐AA)/P(AM‐DMDAAC) complex and the M ⁿ⁺ metal ion content. Compared to the constituents, ie the P(AM‐AA) solution, the P(AM‐DMDAAC) solution and the P(AM‐AA)/P(AM‐DMDAAC) complex solution, the P(AM‐AA)/P(AM‐DMDAAC)/M ⁿ⁺ complex solution has a new peak at 270 nm in its UV spectrum, a larger hydrodynamic radius, and hence a higher solution viscosity, all of which indicate that there exist specific interactions between polymers and M ⁿ⁺ metal ions. These interactions lead to the formation of a network structure and hence an obvious increase not only in solution viscosity but also in resistance of the polymer solution to simple salts, to temperature changes and to shearing. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

Synthesis and characterization of temperature‐responsive poly(vinyl alcohol)‐based copolymers

A poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/sodium acrylate (AANa) copolymer was synthesized to improve the water solubility of PVA at the ambient temperature. Furthermore, a series of temperature‐responsive acetalyzed poly(vinyl alcohol) (APVA)‐co‐AANa samples of various chain lengths, degrees of acetalysis (DAs), and comonomer contents were prepared via an acid‐catalysis process. Fourier transform infrared and ¹H‐NMR techniques were used to analyze the compositions of the copolymers. The measurement of the turbidity change for APVA‐co‐AANa aqueous solutions at different temperatures revealed that the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the copolymers could be tailored through the control of the molecular weight of the starting PVA‐co‐AANa, DA, and comonomer ratios. Lower LCSTs were observed for APVA‐co‐AANa with a longer chain length, a higher DA, and fewer acrylic acid segments. In addition, the LCSTs of the APVA‐co‐AANa aqueous solutions appeared to be salt‐sensitive. The LCSTs decreased as the concentration of NaCl increased. Moreover, atomic force microscopy images of APVA‐co‐AANa around the LCST also proved the temperature sensitivity. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2008