Ratio Of Polyvinyl Alcohol Research Articles

Electrospun PVA/CuONPs/Bitter Gourd Nanofibers with Improved Cytocompatibility and Antibacterial Properties: Application as Antibacterial Wound Dressing.

Antibacterial and cyto-compatible tricomponent composite electrospun nanofibers comprised of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), copper II oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs), and Momordica charantia (bitter gourd, MC) extract were examined for their potential application as an effective wound dressing. Metallic nanoparticles have a wide range of applications in biomedical engineering because of their excellent antibacterial properties; however, metallic NPs have some toxic effects as well. The green synthesis of nanoparticles is undergoing development with the goal of avoiding toxicity. The aim of adding Momordica charantia extract was to reduce the toxic effects of copper oxide nanoparticles as well as to impart antioxidant properties to electrospun nanofibers. Weight ratios of PVA and MC extract were kept constant while the concentration of copper oxide was optimized to obtain good antibacterial properties with reduced toxicity. Samples were characterized for their morphological properties, chemical interactions, crystalline structures, elemental analyses, antibacterial activity, cell adhesion, and toxicity. All samples were found to have uniform morphology without any bead formation, while an increase in diameters was observed as the CuO concentration was increased in nanofibers. All samples exhibited antibacterial properties; however, the sample with CuO concentration of 0.6% exhibited better antibacterial activity. It was also observed that nanofibrous mats exhibited excellent cytocompatibility with fibroblast (NIH3T3) cells. The mechanical properties of nanofibers were slightly improved due to the addition of nanoparticles. By considering the excellent results of nanofibrous mats, they can therefore be recommended for wound dressing applications.

LOXOPROFEN NANOSPONGES: FORMULATION, CHARACTERIZATION AND EX-VIVO STUDY

Objective: The objective of this study is to optimize a nanosponge formulation for Loxoprofen and then incorporating it into a gel formulation offering a controlled drug release, enhanced skin permeation and thus better bioavailability. Methods: Loxoprofen nanosponges were prepared using the emulsion solvent diffusion method and formulated using Polyvinyl alcohol, Ethylcellulose and Dichloromethane. The effect of the different formulation variables like ethyl cellulose: polyvinyl alcohol ratio, drug: ethyl cellulose ratio, stirring time, stirring speed, internal phase volume and external phase volume on the particle size, entrapment efficiency, production yield, polydispersity index and Zeta potential was investigated. The optimized nanosponge formulation was incorporated into a gel. The loaded gel was evaluated by in vitro release and permeation studies and the results were compared to that of a marketed formulation (Loxonin® gel). Results: The optimized formulation showed 67.29±1.19 % entrapment efficiency, 239.8±16.95 nm particle size and-8.32±0.87 mV Zeta potential. The drug was released slowly from the nanosponge-loaded gel where the cumulative percentage of drug released was only 77.71±0.42 % in 8 h where it was incorporated in the entrapped form while it was 99.31±0.64% from Loxonin® gel where it was in the unentrapped form. The cumulative percent of drug permeated through the skin from the nanosponge-loaded gel was 98.66±0.14% for 24 h while it was only 60.38±0.18% from Loxonin® gel. Conclusion: The nanosponge-loaded gel showed more sustained drug release and a better drug permeation when compared to a marketed gel (Loxonin® gel).

Effect of the combination of Alpha-Cellulose and Polyvinyl Alcohol on physicochemical properties of Moringa oleifera leaves ethanolic extract patch and release test

Moringa oleifera oleifera Lam leave contains quercetin which has anti-inflammatory activity, with the mechanism of action reducing mast cell activity through the NF-kB pathway. The topical patch of Moringa oleifera leave ethanolic extract was develop as an alternative to oral anti-inflammatory side effects, including first-pass metabolism and gastric irritation. Polymer is the main component of a patch matrix system because it functions to control drug release. Alpha-cellulose (AC) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) are hydrophilic polymers with different properties and functions. PVA forms a pore that can control the drug release while AC has a strong barrier film so that the polymer combination can produce a patch matrix that meets the requirements. The combination of PVA and AC with a ratio of 1:2; 1:1; 2:1; then analyze for organoleptic, thickness, weight, folding endurance, moisture content, and pH. The concentration of quercetin in extracts and patch, and in vitro test. Statistical analysis was carried out to determine the effect of polymer combination. The results showed the combination of PVA and AC patch matrix of Moringa oleifera leaves extract had a significant effect on the physicochemical properties there are thickness, patch weight, and moisture content, but they did not affect folding endurance and pH. The ratio of PVA and AC of 1:2 is the chosen formula because it meets the patch requirements. The concentrations of quercetin in the extract is 14.21% w/w. The percentage of total flavonoid that released from patch was 37.23% for 5 hours. The release kinetics followed the Higuchi kinetics model with a diffusion mechanism.

Fabrication and characterization of transparent underwater superoleophobic coatings based chitin nanofibers and polyvinyl alcohol

AbstractTransparent underwater superoleophobic coatings were prepared by blending chitin nanofibers (ChNFs) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and then cross‐linked with glutaraldehyde (GA). The interactions among ChNFs, PVA, and GA in the coatings were analyzed via FT‐IR and XPS. Results of SEM observation and AFM analysis showed that higher concentrations of ChNFs and GA gave rise to rougher surface and lower transmittance of the coatings. By adjusting ratios of ChNFs, PVA, and GA, the coating surface could possess underwater superoleophobicity with oil (1, 2‐dichloroethane) contact angle up to 159.2° and slide angle ~3°, meanwhile, transmittance of the coatings in the wavelength range of 400–800 nm could be maintained between 40% and 90%. This work provides a new route to prepare environmentally friendly transparent underwater superoleophobic coatings.

Valorization of coco coir into biocomposite materials through water-based chemistry

In this paper, an eco-friendly approach was reported to fabricate coco coir composites through water-based chemistry. The novelty of this approach lies in the water-based chemical methodology as well as the applicability of the fabricated coco coir biocomposites as proper growth media for hydroponics. In the fabrication process, the coco coir was first made reactive via azo coupling the aromatic structures of its lignin with bifunctional linkers. The reactive coco coir was then cross-linked with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to produce coco coir composites. Since the fabrication process was performed with water as the solvent at moderate reaction temperatures and the only byproducts were harmless inorganic salts, it is more sustainable than other existing chemical processes that employ organic solvents and produce volatile organic harmful compounds (VOCs). Additionally, a two-factor study was conducted to determine the main and interaction effects of different mass ratios of bifunctional linkers and PVA to coco coir on the bulk density and mechanical compressive strength of the coco coir composites. To highlight the applicability of our work, the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N), water holding capacity, electrical conductivity, and substrate acidity of the composites were measured to verify their suitability for hydroponic applications. The coco coir composites were shown to be durable for use as growth media to support the growth of kale (Brassica oleracea) and cherry tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) plants in a recirculating hydroponic system.

Preparation and characterization of electrospun nanofiber membrane from polyvinyl alcohol loaded with Glycyrrhiza glabra extract

This study was designed to form an electrospun nanofiber membrane generated from different ratio of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) extract. The electrospinning process was used to fabricate the nanofiber membrane using maximum amount of licorice extract solution. 90% licorice extract solution was successfully electrospun to fabricate nano membrane with 10% PVA solution. Antibacterial, cytotoxicity, scanning electron microscope (SEM) test were performed on resulted sample. The outstanding performance against Staphylococcus aureus ( S. aureus) by forming inhibition zone of 15 mm was observed. On the vero cell line, cell cytotoxicity was found, with only a few numbers of cells (less than 5%) surviving after exposure to the material. SEM investigation reveals fiber production with a diameter of (245.54 ± 55.19) nm on average. Moreover, Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and moisture management test were performed. FT-IR spectra analysis confirmed the presence of licorice components in the membrane. Moisture analysis proved it as a better absorbing material. Since the fabricated membrane were proven to have bacteriostatic activity, it can be employed as wound healing.

Assessment and Application of Modified Cationic Polyvinyl Alcohol Emulsifiers in Bitumen Emulsions

Abstract In this work, a series of emulsifiers were prepared by changing the molar ratio of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to the long chain quaternary ammonium salt (A0). The emulsifiers were characterised by FTIR and 1HNMR. The stability of the emulsions was checked and evaluated by determining the phase separation and by UV-Vis spectrophotometry. The emulsion stability increased with increasing emulsifier concentration, which was mainly due to the reduced droplet size and increased viscosity of the emulsions. Stability was also dependent on pH. At pH values between 5 to 3, stability was increased, but at further decreasing pH values, the emulsion became unstable or the emulsion separated. This could be mainly because the excess of positive ions compresses the double electron layer. The experimental results showed that PVA as a macromolecular matrix material has a great application potential for the emulsification process.

Effect the Ratio and Particle Size of Glass Powder from Fluorescent Tubes Waste on Electrical Properties of PVA-Glass Composites

The polymer composites used in the present study were made of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as a matrix and glass powder as a filler. The glass powder was obtained from fluorescent tubes waste. The solution casting method was used to fabricate PVA/glass powder composite. Three groups of samples were prepared. The first was prepared by using PVA with the addition of glass powder (sieved less than 20 μm) in proportions 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 %. The second: the mixing ratios of PVA and glass powder were 80% and 20%, respectively. The third: The mixing ratios of PVA and glass powder were 60% and 40%, respectively. In Both previous groups, the added glass powder used was sieved with sizes less than 20, 45, 105, and 125 μm. For all samples, the following properties were measured at room temperature: DC electrical conductivity, dielectric constant, electrical conductivity, and dissipation factor. The last three properties were measured with a range of frequencies from 1kHz to 5MHz. DC conductivity increases with increasing of glass powder. It was found that the highest conductivity values are for samples composed of glass powder with a particle size of less than 45 μm for both ratios of glass 20% and 40%. It is also noticed that within most frequencies, the sample with 30% glass has the largest dissipation factor. At 20% filler of glass powder, it is noted that the highest values of the dielectric constant are for samples composed of glass powder with a particle size of less than 45 μm and 125 μm. Below 1 MHz, the effect of glass powder particle size on the AC conductivity is minimal. It is found that the samples containing glass powder (less than 125 μm and 105 μm), have similar and lowest dissipation factor. At 40% filler of glass powder, it is noted that the lowest values of the dielectric constant are for samples composed of glass powder with a particle size little than 105 μm.

Lung targeted electrosprayed chitosan nanocomposite microparticles boost the cytotoxic activity of magnolol

Large scale production of therapeutic nanoparticles (NPs) is still challenging. Herein, we report a facile single step electrospray process for the production of a nanocarrier platform made of hybridized chitosan (CS)/ polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) matrix. The method was adapted to achieve the lowest NPs size for carrying and delivering a hydrophobic anti-cancer drug, magnolol (Mag). To improve the inhalation properties of the optimized NPs formulation, the spray drying method was adopted to generate Mag loaded nano embedded-in-microparticles (Mag-NEM). The impact of the characteristics of CS and PVA blended solutions with and without Mag on the developed systems was investigated. The viscosity of the polymers solution played a major role on the size of electrosprayed NPs. NPs could only be obtained at CS:PVA ratio 7:3 and 8:2 for low molecular weight CS and at only 8:2 ratio for the medium molecular weight. Mag-NPs scoring 415.7 nm with a high drug encapsulation efficiency of 95.5% ±2.5 were successfully prepared at 0.1 mL/h flow rate, 15 cm tip to collector distance and 25 kV applied voltage. Optimized Mag-NEM exhibited good aerosolization properties with effective inhalation index of 64.69% and showed a two-fold decrease in IC50 when challenged against lung cancer cells A549.

IMPROVING THE VOLUMETRIC STABILITY OF WHITE CEMENT BY USING SOME ADDITIVES

Abstract: This study looked at the effects of three types of additives: limestone powder, Arabian gum AG, and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), on White Cement Mortar's Physical and Mechanical Properties the mixing ratio for dry shrinkage was 1:2. (Cement: sand) while for other tests, it was 1:2.75 (cement: sand). The limestone powder proportions are (5%, 10%, and 15%) by weight of white cement, while the AG ratios are (0.2, 0.5, and 0.8) % by weight of white cement, the polyvinyl alcohol ratios are (2%, 4%, and 6%). This study was focused at the compressive and flexural strength of the modified mortar, as well as water absorption and drying shrinkage. According to the findings, utilizing of limestone powder as additive in white cement mortar is not advised. Since it had the negative affect on dry shrinkage of the mortar. Furthermore, polymer additives such as AG and PVA significantly increase the reduction of ability of forming crack in white cement mortar. Furthermore, the optimal additive percentages of AG and PVA are 0.5 percent and 6%, respectively.

Finite Element Analysis for Biodegradable Dissolving Microneedle Materials on Skin Puncture and Mechanical Performance Evaluation.

In this study, a micro-molding technology was used to prepare the microneedles (MNs), while a texture analyzer was used to measure its Young’s modulus, Poisson’s ratio and compression breaking force, to evaluate whether the MNs can penetrate the skin. The effects of different materials were characterized by their ability to withstand stresses using the Structural Mechanics Module of COMSOL Multiphysics. Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) was chosen as the needle formulation material with varying quantities of polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and hyaluronic acid (HA) to adjust the viscosity, brittleness, hardness and solubility of the material. The results of both the experimental tests and the predictions indicated that the hardest tip material had a solids content of 15% ( ) with a 1:2 () CMC: HA ratio. Furthermore, it was shown that a solid content of 10% () with a 1:5 () CMC: PVA ratio is suitable for making patches. The correlation between the mechanical properties and the different materials was found using the simulation analysis as well as the force required for different dissolving microneedles (DMNs) to penetrate the skin, which significantly promoted the research progress of microneedle transdermal drug delivery.

Development of polyvinyl alcohol-based carbon nano fiber sheet for thermal interface material

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)-based carbon nanofiber (CNF) sheets are fabricated as an innovative thermal interface material (TIM), which is a potential substitute for traditional TIMs. Five types of PVA-based CNF sheets were fabricated at different mass ratios of PVA:vapor-grown carbon fiber (VGCF) (1:0.100, 1:0.070, 1:0.050, 1:0.030, 1:0.025). The thickness of the PVA-based CNF sheets was 30–50 µm, which was controlled by the amount of VGCF. The microstructure of the CNF sheets indicated that VGCFs were arranged in random directions inside the sheet, and PVA was formed as a membrane between two VGCFs. However, many pores were found to exist between the VGCFs. The porosity of the PVA-based CNF sheets decreased from 25 to 13% upon decreasing the mass ratio of VGCF from 43.38 to 16.13%. The density and Shore hardness of all CNF sheets were 1.03–1.15 × 106 g m−3 and 82.4–85.0 HS, respectively. The highest thermal conductivity, measured as the mass ratio of PVA:VGCF, was achieved at 1:0.05, with the in-plane thermal conductivity of the fabricated sheet being 14.3 W m−1 k−1.

Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol/SiO2 Nanocomposite Films: Physicochemical and Structural Characterization

In the present study, the effects of the two ratios of polyvinyl alcohol /Chitosan (1:1 and 3:1) and nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) (0, 0.5, and 1%) on structural and physicochemical properties of PVA/Chitosan/ nano-SiO2 nanocomposite films were investigated. Our findings showed that the treatments' water solubility (WS) in the presence of nano-SiO2 and higher PVA content was decreased, and the lowest amount was in P3C1-1% (59%). The addition of silica nanoparticles decreased the water vapor permeability (WVP) of films, and the lowest amount of WVP was for treatment with a ratio of 1:1 of PVA/chitosan and 1% nano-SiO2 (P3C1-1%) which was 3.08× 10-10 g m s-1m-2 Pa. Tensile strength (Ts) value was achieved 35.86 MPa in higher PVA content and 1% of nano-SiO2 (P3C1-1%) which was the highest. However, the light transmission value of all treatments did not differ greatly. According to the FTIR results, the appropriate interaction between both polymers and nano-SiO2 was observed in the concentration of 1% nano-SiO2 in P1C1. Eventually, significant improvement of structural and physicochemical properties of the films could achieve in higher PVA content and concentration of 1% of nano-SiO2. Based on these results, these nanocomposite films could be considered suitable for the packaging sector and preserve food quality.

Influences of high temperature on mechanical properties of fly ash based geopolymer mortars reinforced with PVA fiber

In this study, a geopolymer composite containing PVA fiber was produced to recycle waste fly ash and obtain an eco-friendly binder. Mechanical properties of geopolymer mortars, produced by using F class fly ash which was activated with NaOH (sodium hydroxide), and reinforced by PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) fiber were investigated after high temperature effect. Geopolymer mortar samples produced by mixing with fly ash, sand, water and NaOH were placed in standard molds of 40×40×160 mm3. PVA fibers were used at percentages of 0,5%, 1% and 1,5% by volume in the experiment. Tests were performed on mortars exposed to high temperatures of 200°C, 400°C, 600°C and 800°C for physical and mechanical properties. For the specimens not subjected to high temperatures, an increase in the compressive strength of mortars containing PVA fibers was observed in comparison to mortar without PVA fiber. On the other hand, it was concluded that losses in compressive strength were less for mortar without PVA fiber when compared with the mortars containing PVA fibers. As a result of the modeling, the PVA ratio, which gives the optimum flexural and compressive strength, was determined as 1,47%. As a result of melting of PVA fibers under the effect of high temperature, 83,58% loss of compressive strength was determined in samples containing 1,5% PVA after 800ºC temperature.

Development of dual crosslinked mumio-based hydrogel dressing for wound healing application: Physico-chemistry and antimicrobial activity

In this study, an antimicrobial mumio-based hydrogel dressing was developed for wound healing application. The mechanism of gel formation was achieved via a double crosslink network formation between gelatin (GT) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) using polyethylene glycol diglycidyl ether (PEGDE) and borax as crosslinking agents. To enhance the mechanical integrity of the hydrogel matrix, bacterial cellulose (BC) was integrated into the GT-PVA hydrogel to produce a composite gel dressing. The obtained hydrogel was characterized by FTIR, SEM, TGA, and XRD. Gel fraction, in vitro swelling and degradation as well as compressive modulus properties of the gel dressing were investigated as a function of change in PVA and BC ratios. By increasing the ratios of PVA and BC, the composite dressing showed lower swelling but higher mechanical strength. Comparing to other formulations, the gel with 4 %w/v PVA and 1 %w/v BC demonstrated to be most suitable in terms of stability and mechanical properties. In vitro cell cytotoxicity by MTT assay on human alveolar basal epithelial (A549) cell lines validated the gels as non-toxic. In addition, the mumio-based gel was compared to other formulations containing different bioactive agents of beeswax and cinnamon oil, which were tested for microbial growth inhibition effects against different bacteria (S. aureus and K. pneumoniae) and fungi (C. albicans and A. niger) strains. Results suggested that the gel dressing containing combinations of mumio, beeswax and cinnamon oil possess promising future in the inhibition of microbial infection supporting its application as a suitable dressing for wound healing.

N-doped Reduced Graphene Oxide nanocomposites encapsulated sodium alginate/polyvinyl alcohol microspheres for anthracene and its oxygenated-PAH removal in aqueous solution

In this work, a novel N-doped Reduced Graphene Oxide (NRGO)/sodium alginate (SA)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) microsphere was prepared by a simple embed method to remove anthracene and its oxygenated-PAH from aqueous solution and reduce the risk of the application of nanomaterials in the water environment. The morphology and functional groups were successfully characterized by SEM, XRD and FTIR etc. The NRGO/SA/PVA microspheres were applied as the efficient adsorbent for removal of anthracene (ANT) and its oxygenated polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (OPAH), 2-methylanthraquinone (2-MAQ) from aqueous solution. Batch experiments with the subject of the mass ratio of SA and PVA, the concentration of NRGO and contact time were investigated. The sorption kinetics and equilibrium data followed pseudo-second order model and the Freundlich isotherm model, respectively, indicating the chemical adsorption process. Regeneration experiments indicated that the NRGO/SA/PVA microspheres almost showed a slight loss in adsorption capacity after three cycles. This study indicated that the NRGO/SA/PVA microspheres with easy separation, environmental benignity and high reusability were proved to be a kind of potential adsorbent for PAHs and OPAHs removal from wastewater.

Development of cellulose nanofibrils reinforced polyvinyl alcohol films incorporated with alizarin for intelligent food packaging

SummaryVisual pH‐sensing films were fabricated using cellulose nanofibrils (CNF) reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and alizarin. The relationships between the ratio of PVA: CNF hydrogel (2:1, 1:1, 1:2) and the physical properties and colour response efficiency of indicator films were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of films evidenced alizarin and CNF was properly incorporated by physical interaction. A new weak X‐ray diffraction peak appeared at 2θ = 22.4°, which was affected by the incorporation of CNF. The increase in the CNF content induced enhancements of thermal stability, tensile strength, water contact angle and colour sensitivity of the indicator films. The colourimetric films had a higher sensitivity to discolouration when exposed to acidic vapours than alkaline vapours. The films presented a remarkable colour change varied from purple in alkaline condition to yellow in acidic condition. Therefore, this colourimetric film can be used as a volatile acid sensor for intelligent packaging.

Development of biodegradable smart packaging from chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and butterfly pea flower’s (Clitoria ternatea L.) anthocyanin extract

Active compounds from natural sources such as butterfly pea flowers (Clitoria ternatea L.) such as anthocyanin was found able to be integrated with chitosan and Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) polymers in their application as smart packaging. Smart packaging that contains anthocyanin shows a colour response to changes in pH due to food spoilage. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of chitosan (CH) and PVA proportion on the quality of biodegradable film incorporating butterfly pea flower’s anthocyanin (BPFA) extract included film thickness, tensile strength (TS), elongation (E%), total anthocyanin content and the film colour response at different pH range were characterized. Concentrated anthocyanin extract was obtained from butterfly pea flower petals in ultrasonic-assisted leaching using ethanol as a solvent and followed by rotary vacuum evaporation. The film-forming solution was prepared from a binary mixture of CH:PVA in the ratio of 20:80, 40:60, 60:40, and 80:20. The results showed that films obtained from all combinations could exhibit different colour responses in various pH ranges, indicating the successful incorporation of anthocyanin. The film with CH:PVA ratio of 40:60 showed a more pronounced colour change, among other treatments. It was also characterized by a thickness of 0.15 mm, TS of 11.02 MPa, E% of 48.00%, and total anthocyanin of 25.08 mg/g. The film showed high potential to be used as biodegradable smart packaging for the food system which produces pH change upon deterioration.

Enhanced antibacterial activity of chitosan, guar gum and polyvinyl alcohol blend matrix loaded with amoxicillin and doxycycline hyclate drugs

This study focusses on the synthesis of a series of semisynthetic polymeric blended membranes based on chitosan, guar gum and polyvinyl alcohol for the sustained delivery of antibacterial drugs" with "A series of semisynthetic polymeric blended membranes based on GG (guar gum), CS (chitosan) and PVA (polyvinyl alcohol) was fabricated for the sustained delivery of antibacterial drugs. The drug employed in this study includes amoxicillin and doxycycline hyclate. Different ratios of chitosan CS and GG were blended with constant ratio of PVA to synthesize membranes using solution casting method. Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) study showed the blend formation, surface morphology and crystalline nature of polymeric membranes respectively. Successful bonding among the ingredients was confirmed by crystalline peak of CS cellulose at 22.6˚. Swelling test was used to analyze the water absorbing capacity of the membranes, indicating the hydrophilic nature, making these membranes more liable for drug release application. Results revealed that 25 mg was the ideal amount of drug loaded on blended membrane. Antimicrobial activity was promising against selected bacterial strains and cytotoxicity assay showed that the polymeric membranes have great potential for biomedical field. The membrane (B-2) was considered best amongst all based on the composition and ratio 3:1 of CS to GG, demonstrated good binding between constituents. These membranes can be employed for sustainable drug delivery process due to good swelling, antimicrobial and absorption characteristics.

Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol)/halloysite nanotubes composite sponges with improved mechanical properties

AbstractA novel polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) composite sponge with preferable properties was fabricated via water solution mixing and casting technique with a fixed PVA ratio and the various contents of nano‐fillers. The morphology and physical properties of all the samples have been studied and characterized extensively. The results showed that HNTs were uniformly aligned along in the PVA matrix depending on good interfacial interactions between HNTs and PVA matrix. The addition of HNTs decreased the pore sizes and porosity of the sponges. Mechanical tests indicated that the incorporation of HNTs contribute to the reinforcement in mechanical properties of composite sponges under both dry and moist conditions. In addition, the composites showed better performances in thermal stability and water absorption capacity than pure PVA sponges. Rhodamine B and ibuprofen were employed to evaluate the control release ability. The results illustrated that increasing HNT contents can enhance the sustained release ability of PVA sponges.