Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanocrystal Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogel

Cellulose nanocrystal (CNC) poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were prepared from polymer aqueous solution by freezing and thawing method. The influences of CNC content on the mechanical properties, swelling behavior, thermal properties and structures of PVA hydrogel were investigated. Results revealed that CNC could remarkably increase the mechanical properties of PVA hydrogels. The tensile strength, Young’s modulus and elongation of PVA hydrogels increased by 60%, 110% and 70% respectively when m(CNC)/m(PVA) was 1%. Moreover, CNC promoted the PVA hydrogels swelling dynamics. The equilibrium swelling time decreased and swelling ratio increased by adding CNC into PVA hydrogels.