Irradiation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic monomers to produce hydrophilic copolymers

摘要

A hydrophilic polymer or copolymer is produced in an environment free from a chemical initiator and preferably by irradiation of the starting materials, particularly by gamma rays. The product polymer or copolymer is thus free from the residua of chemical initiators and the method permits the production of polymers and copolymers which are particularly suitable for use in contact with living tissue, for example as contact lenses, prosthetic devices, surgical implants, protective corneal fittings and protective membranes or bandages.