Tailoring the Structure and Physico-Chemical Features of Cellulose-Based Hydrogels Using Multi-Epoxy Crosslinking...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Hydrogels are versatile materials with tunable properties.
• Crosslinking agents are crucial for controlling hydrogel network structure and performance.
• Cellulose-based hydrogels offer sustainable and biocompatible platforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of epoxy crosslinker structure and functionality on cellulose-based hydrogel properties.
• To establish correlations between crosslinker characteristics and hydrogel physico-chemical behavior.
• To guide the rational design of cellulose hydrogels for specific applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of cellulose hydrogels using epichlorohydrin (ECH), 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDE), and trimethylolpropane triglycidyl ether (TMPTGE).
• Characterization using gel fraction, ATR-FTIR, DVS, SEM, DSC, and TG analyses.
• Evaluation of swelling, rheological, and morphological properties.

Main Results:

• Crosslinker structure significantly influences hydrogel pore size, decreasing with increased epoxy groups (ECH > BDDE > TMPTGE).
• Hydrogel elasticity correlates with swelling and pore size, with ECH-based hydrogels being more elastic.
• Denser hydrogel matrices formed with complex crosslinkers exhibit enhanced thermal stability.

Conclusions:

• A strong correlation exists between crosslinker architecture and cellulose hydrogel properties.
• Tailoring crosslinker choice allows precise control over hydrogel characteristics like pore size and elasticity.
• This study provides a framework for designing cellulose-based hydrogels for targeted applications.