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Published on: July 10, 2013
Cellulose-based hydrogels with interpenetrating networks for 3D-printed cushioning materials
Zehao Huang1, Shuya Zhang1, Yingying Yang1
1College of Light Industry and Food Engineering, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.
Journal of Colloid and Interface Science
|May 16, 2026
Summary
This study presents a 3D-printable, cellulose-based hydrogel for personalized cushioning. Ionic crosslinking significantly enhances its performance, surpassing traditional materials and enabling advanced biomass cushioning applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Additive Manufacturing
Background:
- Additive manufacturing enables personalized cushioning materials.
- Cellulose-based hydrogels offer potential for sustainable cushioning solutions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a 3D-printable, cellulose-based hydrogel with enhanced cushioning properties.
- To investigate the structure-property relationship governing the hydrogel's cushioning performance.
- To evaluate the hydrogel's suitability for customized cushioning packaging applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a cellulose-based hydrogel using a crosslinked interpenetrating network (IPN) of hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC)/methacrylic anhydride-modified polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-MA), reinforced with carboxylated cellulose nanofibers (CNF) and quaternized chitosan (HACC).
- Post-treatment with sodium citrate solution to induce ionic crosslinking.
- Characterization of the hydrogel's structure and mechanical properties using various techniques.
- Evaluation of cushioning performance via compressive strain tests, energy loss coefficient, Young's modulus, and static minimum cushioning coefficient.
- Assessment of 3D printability using a UV photoinitiator (TPO-L) and measurement of compressive strength and elongation at break.
Main Results:
- Successful construction of a crosslinked IPN structure confirmed by characterization.
- Sodium citrate post-treatment significantly boosted cushioning performance, with an energy loss coefficient of 61.4% and Young's modulus of 448.22 kPa at 50% compressive strain.
- The developed hydrogel outperformed traditional cushioning materials like expanded polyethylene (EPE) and expanded polystyrene (EPS).
- Hydrogels with TPO-L exhibited rapid curing, high compressive strength (up to 547.40 kPa), and excellent elongation at break (up to 229.40%), enabling high-quality 3D printing.
Conclusions:
- The developed cellulose-based hydrogel demonstrates superior cushioning properties and excellent 3D printability.
- Ionic crosslinking is a key factor in enhancing the hydrogel's mechanical performance.
- This biomass-based material offers a promising, sustainable alternative for customized cushioning packaging and large-scale applications.
