Preparation and Properties of PHEMA Hydrogel Material

2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) was used as monomer to prepare the poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA) hydrogel. Based on equilibrium moisture content and mechanical strength of PHEMA hydrogel, the optimum preparation conditions of PHEMA hydrogel can be obtained. The surface morphology and the light transmission of PHEMA hydrogel membrane were measured by SEM and UV spectroscopy, respectively. The PHEMA hydrogel prepared under the optimum conditions possess smooth surface, monomer conversion is about 88%, tensile strength of 0.32 MPa, equilibrium moisture content of 42.8% and light transmittance of 92%. This PHEMA hydrogel is expected to be used as optical central material of the artificial cornea.