Effect of cellulose size-concentration on the structure of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels

Gabriel Goetten de Lima, Bruno Dias Ferreira, Mailson Matos, Bruno Leandro Pereira, Michael J.D. Nugent, Fabrício Augusto Hansel, Washington Luiz Esteves Magalhães

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

59 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Microfibrillated cellulose as a reinforcement agent has been investigated extensively due to their unique characteristics, which can reorder the structure of polymers and hydrogels leading to improved mechanical properties with minimal disadvantages in terms of the targeted original applications. However, effect of using a macro- to a micro-fibrillated cellulose onto polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels is still unknown, because of the unique ability for both to be produced as hydrogels from freeze-thawing mechanisms – hydrogen bonding - there is a potential synergism. Therefore, macro and microfibrillated kraft bleached paper was synthesised at various concentrations on polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels. The overall effect presented a strong interaction between both compounds but it was increased with macrofibrillated cellulose. Increase in crystallinity was also observed with a macro-sized fibre without variation on tensile elastic modulus but an overall improvement was perceived on thermal properties and a slower swelling rate with a microfibrillated cellulose.

Original languageEnglish
Article number116612
JournalCarbohydrate Polymers
Volume245
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2020

Keywords

  • Composite hydrogels
  • Freeze-thawing
  • Kraft process
  • Microfibrillated cellulose
  • PVA

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