A new hydrogel that combines poly(ethylene glycol) and b-cyclodextrin has been synthesized. Both components are linked by using a diisocyanate (HDMI), first by end-capping the poly(ethylene glycol) with isocyanate groups an then reacting it with b-cyclodextrin, forming urethane links. Hydrogels of molar compositions (b-cyclodextrin/poly(ethylene glycol)) ranging from 1/4 to 1/14 have been synthesized. These hydrogels swell quickly and their water contents depend upon temperature. The gels are temperature resistant and show an elastomeric behavior.

New hydrophilic networks combining poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) have been prepared. Both components are linked by reacting PEG chains previously end‐capped with isocyanate groups and β‐CD, forming urethane links. Networks of molar compositions (β‐CD/PEG) ranging from 1/4 to 1/14, and with four different molar masses (400, 600, 900, and 1 350 g · mol−1) of the end‐capped PEG precursor have been synthesized. The networks have good thermal stability and low glass transition temperatures. Crystallinity has only been detected for the two higher molar mass PEG precursors. The swelling properties of these hydrogels depend on the chain lengths of the PEG precursor and also on the temperatures.