| abstract |
A composition which is photopolymerizable in the presence of water comprises: n (a) a first monomer having olefinic unsaturation and a flexible hydrophillic chain and which may be polyethylene glycol ethyl ether methacrylate or methoxypolyethylene glycol methacrylate; n (b) a second monomer having olefinic unsaturation, high free radical polymerization efficiency and which imparts tackiness on curing, and which may be N,N-dimethylacrylamide or 2-hydroxyethylacrylate; n (c) a cross-linking agent; and n (d) a photoinitiator. n The composition may be formed into a thin layer containing 2-40 wt % of water before it is cured so that the product is a film. The cured film is transparent, adheres selectively to dry) skin, and can be used as a wound dressing. Where the second monomer provides conductivity-imparting groups it may also be used as an electrode (e.g. as a grounding plate). If desired, 2-20 wt % of a low molecular weight polyol e.g. propylene glycol may be added to increase the adhesiveness of the cured film and/or a water-soluble natural or synthetic polymer may be added to increase its adhesiveness, tackiness and improve the casting process. |