Cross-linked nanocomposite hydrogels based on cellulose nanocrystals and PVA: Mechanical properties and creep recovery
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Author list: Tanpichai S., Oksman K.
Publisher: Elsevier
Publication year: 2016
Journal: Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing (1359-835X)
Volume number: 88
Start page: 226
End page: 233
Number of pages: 8
ISSN: 1359-835X
eISSN: 1878-5840
Languages: English-Great Britain (EN-GB)
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Abstract
Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels with a water content of ∼92% were successfully prepared with glutaraldehyde (GA) as a cross-linker. The effects of the CNC content on the thermal stability, swelling ratio and mechanical and viscoelastic properties of the cross-linked hydrogels were investigated. The compressive strength at 60% strain for the hydrogels with 1 wt% CNCs increased by 303%, from 17.5 kPa to 53 kPa. The creep results showed that the addition of CNCs decreased the creep elasticity due to molecular chain restriction. The almost complete strain recovery (∼97%) after fixed load removal for 15 min was observed from the hydrogels with CNCs, compared with 92% strain recovery of the neat cross-linked PVA hydrogels. The incorporation of CNCs did not affect the swelling ratio and thermal stability of the hydrogels. These results suggest the cross-linked CNC-PVA hydrogels have potential for use in biomedical and tissue engineering applications. © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Keywords
A. Cellulose, A. Nanocomposites, D. Creep, E. Casting
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