Effect of cellulose size-concentration on the structure of polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels

Microfibrillated cellulose as a reinforcement agent has been investigated extensively due to their unique char-acteristics, which can reorder the structure of polymers and hydrogels leading to improved mechanical prop-erties with minimal disadvantages in terms of the targeted original applications. However, effect of using a macro-to a micro-fibrillated cellulose onto polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels is still unknown, because of the unique ability for both to be produced as hydrogels from freeze-thawing mechanisms - hydrogen bonding -there is a potential synergism. Therefore, macro and microfibrillated kraft bleached paper was synthesised at various concentrations on polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels. The overall effect presented a strong interaction between both compounds but it was increased with macrofibrillated cellulose. Increase in crystallinity was also observed with a macro-sized fibre without variation on tensile elastic modulus but an overall improvement was perceived on thermal properties and a slower swelling rate with a microfibrillated cellulose.