Three polymer architectures containing blocked isocyanate functionalities were developed during this work, based on 2-isocyanatoethyl methacrylate (IEM). A -NH-C(=O)-SO3- functionalized hydrogel was synthesized from IEM and potassium metabisulfite. This hydrogel features significant functionalization degree, acceptable storage under dry condition, as well as considerable swelling when immersed in water. Direct protection of the IEM monomer was made possible via an alternative blocking agent, yielding a hydrosoluble monomer that was polymerized in water under free-radical conditions. The reactivity of the obtained polymer towards primary amines in water was substantiated. Finally, IEM blocking using phenol or acetone oxime led to divinylbenzene-based microspheres containing reactive blocked isocyanates.
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