Synthesis, structure and mechanical properties of nanocomposites based on exfoliated nano magnesium silicate crystal and poly(acrylamide)

Abstract

In this study, hydrolyzed polyacrylamide based nanocomposite (HPAM-NC) hydrogels crosslinked by chromium (III) acetate, was synthesized using free radical polymerization. The introduction of magnesium silicate nanocrystals (MSNCs) into the hydrolyzed polyacrylamide (HPAM) network endows the system with enhanced mechanical properties. The successful formation and crystalline behavior of HPAM-NC hydrogels was verified by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) analyses. Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and rheology tests showed that the morphology and mechanical properties of HPAM-NC hydrogels were strongly influenced by different content of parameters including concentration of copolymer, nanoparticle and cross-linker. The results showed that this nanocomposite hydrogel is a moldable material so it can expand its application as value-added product.