Abstract
In the present investigation, we prepared cellulose nanocrystal (CNC)-reinforced polyvinyl alcohol-cellulose (PVA-Cell) physical hydrogels using a simple blending method for actuator application. The prepared hydrogels were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and the surface and cross-section were studied by scanning electron microscopy. CNCs were well dispersed in the PVA-Cell hydrogel. In the preparation process, surface hydroxyl groups of the CNC and PVA-Cell matrix hydroxyl groups were interacted to produce uniform dispersion of CNCs in the hydrogels. Swelling behavior and compression studies revealed that the increase of the CNCs reinforced the crosslinking. The actuation test of the prepared hydrogels showed that the displacement linearly increased with the voltage, and the immense output displacement was observed at low CNC concentration. The prepared hydrogels are applicable for soft robot actuators and active lens.
Highlights
IntroductionIn the last few decades, researchers have focused on synthesizing nanocomposite hydrogels for tissue engineering, drug delivery, antimicrobial, bioactive electrode coatings, actuators, and sensors [1,2,3,4]
In the last few decades, researchers have focused on synthesizing nanocomposite hydrogels for tissue engineering, drug delivery, antimicrobial, bioactive electrode coatings, actuators, and sensors [1,2,3,4].Nanocomposite hydrogels are advantageous with softness, biocompatibility, multi-functionality, and adaptability
Most of the amorphous regions of the cellulose microfibrils are removed by acid degradation and over the crystalline domains, which remain intact as they have a higher resistance to acid degradation [11,12]
Summary
In the last few decades, researchers have focused on synthesizing nanocomposite hydrogels for tissue engineering, drug delivery, antimicrobial, bioactive electrode coatings, actuators, and sensors [1,2,3,4]. New strategies are being used to reinforce hydrogels by using CNC to increase their properties to apply for drug delivery, tissue engineering, and biomedical applications [13,14,15,16]. CNC-reinforced gelatin hydrogels were reported for controlled drug delivery applications using rice husks as a raw material [15]. The PVA-CNC hydrogel exhibited its maximum actuation strain, 2870 ppm under 0.25 V/m electric field. The PVA and cellulose solution were mixed to form the PVA-Cell hydrogel matrix, and nanosized CNC was reinforced into the PVA-Cell matrix that will form a crosslinked hydrogel with a unique network. The prepared PCC hydrogels’ actuation behavior was tested by applying AC voltage in a hydrated state
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