In situ polymerized hyperbranched polymer reinforced poly(acrylic acid) hydrogels

Abstract

a Hydrogels have been extensively investigated for use in various applications. Poly acrylic acid (PAA) is a common example, which has been widely used due to its super hydrophilicity properties, biocompatibility and biodegradability characteristics. However its poor mechanical properties, which have been addressed in many research studies, are known as a drawback that limits its applications. So, enhancing PAA mechanical properties using a hyperbranched polymer (HB) is the key question to be addressed in this research.Investigations of the mechanical properties of the PAA-HB hydrogel revealed 130% improvement in the ultimate tensile strength, indicating a two times enhancement compared to that of PAA. Statistical analysis showed that the overall effect of introducing notches (with different depths) on the selected mechanical properties of both PAA and PAA-HB was significant. Mechanical characterization of PAA-HB networks showed that significant improvement in the mechanical properties was achieved as the capability of water uptake increased by 20%. Characterization of the physical properties confirmed that participation of HB may form a PAA based hybrid material with good swelling properties. Those findings are attributed to the supramolecular structure of the HB, which can introduce physical entanglement between the PAA network structure and increase the crystallinity of the final hydrogel as compared to those from the PAA hydrogel.

Cost-Effective Double-Layer Hydrogel Composites for Wound Dressing Applications

“…On the basis of the measured mechanical properties, it is likely that the PVA layer was more responsible for load transfer than the PAA layer—a finding which is consistent with other studies showing that the mechanical properties of the PAA were weak [17,43]. The PVA hydrogels with a high degree of hydrolysis (>99.9%) exhibited acceptable biomechanical properties, while available hydroxyl groups provided a high density of intra-molecular hydrogen bonding and formed larger and more crystalline regions compared to PVA hydrogels with a lower degree of hydrolysis.…”

A Mechanically Robust, Stiff, and Tough Hyperbranched Supramolecular Polymer Hydrogel

“…Optimization of the network architecture in the original hydrogel has proved an effective and simple way to increase the stiffness. Tang et al . developed a tough poly(acrylic acid) (PAA‐HB) hydrogel by introducing a hyperbranched polymer (HBP) into the PAA hydrogel network using in situ polymerization.…”

Advanced Strategies for the Regeneration of Lumbar Disc Annulus Fibrosus

“…To achieve this, the development of new biomaterials and the employment of novel crosslinking agents is critical. One suggestion is the use of hyperbranched molecules in self-healing hydrogels to simultaneously increase the mechanical and swelling properties [ 139 ].…”