Composite materials based on polyacrylamide and gelatin reinforced with polypropylene microfiber

Abstract

The conditions for preparation of a composite hydrogel based on polyacrylamide and gelatin, which is reinforced with polypropylene microfiber, were determined to increase its strength. The conditions of modification of polypropylene microfiber were established under which its surface is hydrophilized, which was confirmed by a significant increase in the water retention of microfiber by 11.0–15.2 times. Under the same conditions, an increase in the values of the hydrogen component of free surface energy on planar samples of polypropylene was observed (from 2.81.0 mN m–1 to 29.81.0 mN m–1). Optimal conditions (minimum limits of component concentrations, temperature range, and pH of a medium) were determined, under which a hydrogel based on polyacrylamide and gelatin with satisfactory physicochemical and mechanical properties can be formed. A composite hydrogel, based on polyacrylamide and gelatin reinforced with modified polypropylene microfiber, was prepared. It was found that the introduction of modified microfiber increases the limits of the beginning of destruction from 20–30 to 130 kPa. The results of the investigation of the drug release from the hydrogel indicated that the obtained composites can be used as matrices to create a hydrogel therapeutic bandages with the function of prolonged drug delivery.