In this study, synthesis, characterization, partial hydrolysis, and salt formation of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)-co-poly(4-vinyl pyridine), (poly(HEMA)-co-poly-(4-VP)) copolymers were investigated. The copolymers were synthesized by free radical polymerization using K2S2O8 as an initiator. By varying the monomer/initiator ratio, chain lengths of the copolymers were changed. The copolymers were characterized by gel permeation chromatography (GPC), viscosity measurements, H-1 and C-13 NMR and FTIR