A Novel Method for Preparing Poly(vinyl alcohol) Hydrogels: Preparation, Characterization, and Application

This work provides a new method to prepare poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogel. Compared with the traditional repeated freeze thaw method, the physical cross-linking method was adopted to prepare a high-strength hydrogel in one step. The morphology, melting, and crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of the hydrogel were investigated. The hydrogel has a high water content and reswelling rate, as well as a high melting temperature and mechanical strength. It also has a stable cross-linked structure in the temperature range of 25-65 degrees C. The hydrogel fracture surface shows ductile and brittle fracture morphology. The protrusions in the hydrogel three-dimensional topography are more numerous and homogeneous when the solvent preparation ratio is 4-6. On the basis of the good plasticity of the hydrogels, tubular hydrogels with inner diameters of 1-6 mm are also prepared to widen their applications.