Hydrogels reinforced with graphene oxide with enhance water diffusion properties

What is it about?

A series of hybrid hydrogels of poly(2-hydroxyethyl acrylate), PHEA, and graphene oxide, GAO, with GAO content up to2 wt % has been prepared by in situ polymerization. Because PHEA has been used as biomaterial in various applications, has a sidechain with the hydroxyl functional group and its mechanical properties are poor, it is a good candidate for reinforcement with GAO.Fourier transform (infrared) spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, the thermal, mechanical, andwater sorption properties of neat PHEA and PHEA/GAO composites have been studied in order to elucidate the dispersion andinteraction between both components. An increase in the water diffusion coefficient and dramatic changes in its mechanical proper-ties are the most remarkable results. Thus, at a nanofiller load of 2 wt %, the novel materials present an increased diffusion coeffi-cient higher than 380% and the elastic modulus is enhanced by more than 650% in dry state and by more than 100% in swollenstate, both compared to neat PHEA. These results have been attributed to the excellent interaction between the matrix, PHEA, andthe reinforcement, GAO, and could open the door to new applications in the field of biomaterials with higher structural requisites.

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Why is it important?

Remarkable improvement of water diffusion and mechanical properties

Perspectives