Using Borax as a Cross-Linking Agent in Poly(Vinyl Alcohol)/Hemp-Extracted Cellulose Hydrogels

This study focused on the preparation of hydrogels of poly (vinyl alcohol) and cellulose extracted from hemp fibers with the aid of borax as a cross-linking agent. Cellulose extracted from hemp fibers was initially dissolved in a mixed solution of urea and NaOH to obtain a cellulose solution. In the meantime, PVA was also dissolved in the urea and NaOH. These two solutions were mixed, and various loadings of borax were introduced. Moreover, the effect of borax loadings on equilibrium water content (EWC) and compression properties of the cross-linked hydrogels was investigated. The cross-linked hydrogels showed an EWC of 95.76% and a compression set of 9.71%, compared to those of the physical cross-linked hydrogels which had an EWC of 92.40% and a compression set of 29.96%. It was found that the chemically crosslinked hydrogels exhibited greater stability compared with physical ones owing to the stronger interaction induced by borax. Therefore, The PVA/cellulose hydrogels cross-linked with borax hold potential in various applications such as wound dressing, wastewater treatment, and agricultural fields.