Reinforcement Effects of Inorganic Nanoparticles for Double-Network Hydrogels

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating reinforcement effects and mechanisms of four kinds of nanoparticles (SiO2, hectorite, Al2O3 and TiO2) for double-network hydrogels. Mechanical tests were conducted to determine optimal contents and advantages of those nanoparticles in improving strength or strechability. The results showed that the hydrogels with Al2O3 showed a tensile stress of 0.33 MPa, the compressive stress of 3.38 MPa and high fracture energy of 1117 J · m−2, while the hydrogels with hectorite achieved a strain ratio of 2280% and better elastic modulus of 170.2 kPa. The reinforcement mechanisms were discussed in terms of morphologies, swelling behaviors and dynamic mechanical properties. Moreover, a cell culture test was applied to prove these nanocomposite hydrogels were non-poisonous to living cells.