Physical Properties of Ophthalmic Copolymers Containing Vinylaniline and ZnO Nanoparticles

Abstract

The mixture of vinylaniline and 2-hydroxyethyl mrthacrylate mixed according to the mixing ratio, was allowed to stir in order to add functionality. ZnO nanoparticles, dispersed for approximately 1 hr in an ultrasonic bench top cleaner , were added to the mixture of monomers. Then the mixture at a mould was thermally polymerized to prepare high-perform ance hydrogel ophthalmic lens. The produced ophthalmic hydrogel lens was then put in 0.9% NaCl (normal saline solu tion) for 24 hrs for hydration, and various measurements were carried out. The surface analysis of ZnO nanoparticles dispersed in the macromolecular polymer was conducted using AFM (XE-100, Parks System). The produced hydrogel lens generally exhibit ed yellowish color, transparent and hydrophilic characteristics. Also, the contact lenses hydrated in standard saline solution generally exhibited the characteristics of flexibility and softness. The physical properties of the ophthalmic hydrogel lens material were measured. The refractive index es of 1.359 - 1.423, water content of 37 %- 43%, and visible transmittance of 74 %- 82% were obtained.