Anti-freezing and thermally self-healing polymer composite comprising polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose

Hydrogel composites were prepared using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), polyethylene oxide (PEO), and sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC). The thermally responsive PVA/PEO/NaCMC composites exhibited self-healing at 70 degrees C within 20 min, which could be reduced to 15 min by adding excess PVA. Additionally, the PVA/PEO/NaCMC hydrogel displayed excellent flexibility and anti-freezing effects even at -70 degrees C. The structure and morphology of the PVA/PEO/NaCMC hydrogel composites were verified using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The PVA/PEO/NaCMC hydrogel was stiff and opaque, and displayed excellent compressive strength, high tensile strength (TS), and high elongation at break (EB). The viscosity of the PVA/PEO/NaCMC hydrogel decreased with increasing shear rate. Additionally, the PVA/PEO/NaCMC composites exhibited shear thinning behavior both at room and high (70 degrees C) temperature environments. The self-healing properties of the PVA/PEO/NaCMC composites increased the storage modulus (G') and loss modulus (G ''). PVA/PEO/NaCMC hydrogels maintained their gel properties and displayed good resistance and elasticity even at -70 degrees C. PVA/PEO/NaCMC hydrogels showed good biocompatibility and non-cytotoxicity toward Caenorhabditis elegans. The outcomes of the PVA/PEO/NaCMC hydrogel study are encouraging for broad applications.

Automated summary

The PVA/PEO/NaCMC hydrogel composites exhibited self-healing, flexibility, anti-freezing effects, and biocompatibility, making them suitable for broad applications.