Photo‐Crosslinking and Reductive Decrosslinking of Polymethacrylate‐Based Copolymers Containing 1,2‐Dithiolane Rings

This study first describes a straightforward approach for the preparation of polymethacrylate-based networks containing variable amounts lipoates. For this purpose, butyl methacrylate and 1,2-dithiolane derivative hydroxymethylmethacrylate are copolymerized in different ratios by free-radical polymerization with formation linear network precursors. After optimizing copolymerization conditions, ultraviolet (UV)-induced crosslinking behavior is studied. The latter possible because presence moieties, which can be photolytically cleaved recombined upon UV-irradiation. obtained analyzed terms swelling degree, gel fraction, rheological behavior. Then, decrosslinking achieved immersing reducing environment. Finally, successful preliminary coating experiments conducted, demonstrating potential applicability studied materials.