Several copolymer hydrogels were prepared from radical copolymerization of 2-hydroxypropyl methacrylate (HPMA) with itaconic acid (IA) and also with citraconic acid (CA) by Using different feed ratios. The copolymers were characterized by FTIR, H-1-NMR, and C-13-NMR spectroscopy as well as by thermal analysis. The swelling process of the different hydrogels immersed in water at different pH has been studied, and also the swelling of the hydrogels loaded with metal ions (Pb2+ Cd2+) was investigated. The metal-binding properties were Studied by, using the liquid-phase polymer-based retention technique, including studies on the influence of pH on the binding process. The efficiency of these hydrogels for the recovery of metal ions in solution was determined by, atomic absorption spectroscopic analysis. The thermal characteristics of these copolymers were studied by using differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis in nitrogen atmosphere. Accordingly, the gels loaded with metal ions showed a slight increase of the thermal decomposition temperature when compared with the pristine gels. The copolymer gel HPMA-co-CA showed a single glass transition temperature, whereas for the copolymer systems, HPMA-co-IA, only the copolymers loaded with Cd2+ ions showed a glass transition temperature. The morphology of film produced from the copolymers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy, revealing generally smooth surfaces. (C) 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 113: 104-111, 2009