Preparation of polyurethane/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel and its performance enhancement via compositing with silver particles

In this study, polyurethane/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogelwas prepared by chemical cross-linking. Silver particles were further composited in the hydrogel via an in situ synthesis technique. The chemical structure and porous morphology were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and field-emission scanning electron microscopy. The swelling abilities, mechanical behaviors, tribological properties, biocompatibilities and antibacterial properties of the hydrogels were investigated. The results suggest that the incorporation of silver particles in polyurethane/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogels could enhance the Young's modulus, tensile strength and elongation, as well as reduce the friction coefficient, while maintaining hydrogels with a moderate water absorption ability and good biocompatibility. Moreover, the addition of silver particles could endow the polyurethane/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel with prominent antibacterial performance, suggesting that polyurethane/polyvinyl alcohol/silver composite hydrogels could be applied as dressings for wound healing.