Eco-friendly thermo-sensitive hydrogel composites and applications: combination of crosslinking and pore structures
발표자
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초록
내용
Cellulose is a biocompatible and biodegradable material. This research investigated the characteristics of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC) hydrogel and its composites with silicone. A cross-linking method was used after freeze-casting and subsequent removal of crystals to generate open pores inside. HPC hydrogels were produced with using a crosslinking agent, glutaraldehyde. This method synthesized thermos-responsive HPC hydrogels with relatively high water swelling ratios. HPC/silicone composites were prepared by infiltrating liquid polydimethylsiloxane into the HPC frameworks of aligned pores prepared by freeze-casting. The decreased swelling ratio and improved modulus were obtained. In addition, a structure with random pores was prepared, and these hydrogels were applied to the various fields such as solar evaporators, coolers, and actuators. The HPC hydrogels and composites are nontoxic, metal-free, and thus may be usefully for eco-friendly material applications in various fields.