High strength polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid-based hydrogels with multiple networks

Firstly, the polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylic acid double network hydrogels were prepared by physical and chemical double cross-linking, then polyethylene glycol, chitosan, and hydroxypropyl methyl cellulose were added to construct the multiple network hydrogels. The intermolecular chains were entangled with each other and the intermolecular force was gathered at the cross-linking point, which greatly improved the mechanical strength of the hydrogel. Intensity can be regulated by adjusting variables. The method used in this paper is simple and the hydrogel has better mechanical properties. Also, the raw material is nontoxic, harmless, and has a prospect application in the field of tissue engineering.