Synthesis of PDMS‐HEMA‐MMA Copolymers With Anti‐Fouling Property and its Ultraviolet‐Visible Light Shielding Performance Regulated by Phase Separation

ABSTRACT Conventional ultraviolet (UV) absorbers used to enhance the anti‐UV performance of medical materials are often toxic and potentially harmful to humans. Therefore, developing a safe alternative to protect against UV radiation is of great importance. In this research, a transparent material was prepared by copolymerizing methyl methacrylate (MMA), hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), and methacryloxy‐terminated PDMS (M‐PDMS). Compared to a PDMS‐MMA copolymer, the cut‐off wavelength of the PDMS‐HEMA‐MMA copolymers extended from 325 to 355 nm without the use of any UV absorbers, while the transmittance in the range of 355–800 nm could be adjusted by regulating HEMA content. SAXD and atomic force microscope (AFM) characterization confirmed that the copolymers underwent phase separation after the addition of HEMA, resulting in an increase in light scattering. Besides, increasing the HEMA content enhanced the hydrophilicity of the PDMS‐HEMA‐MMA copolymers and reduced the protein adsorption amounts by 39.0%. Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) analysis revealed that hydrogen bonds formed between the ‐OH groups in HEMA and other macromolecules, which significantly enhanced the thermal stability and T g of the copolymer. The addition of HEMA also decreased the rigidity and increased the elasticity of the copolymers. This PDMS‐HEMA‐MMA copolymer with anti‐fouling and UV‐visible shielding properties is promising for application in ophthalmology.