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Preparation and characterization of PVA/PVP conductive hydrogels formed by freeze–thaw processes as a promising material for sensor applications

  • Polymers & biopolymers
  • Published:
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Abstract

Biocompatible and multifunctional stretchable hydrogels have attracted growing interests for applications including electronic skin and soft robotics. This paper presents a conductive and humidity sensitive hydrogel formed by poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly (vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP). Different from previous approaches where microwave-assisted aldol condensation reactions are needed to form the material, in this work, we demonstrate forming the hydrogel through only freeze–thaw process. The resulting hydrogel features a gauge factor (~ 0.8), which is higher than that of the strain sensor fabricated through traditional approach during the strain range up to 40%. Furthermore, the structural, elastic, thermal and electrical properties of the polymer blend are evaluated so the operating environment can be identified. Our experimental results show that elasticity of the blend reduces in air due to drying that cannot be completely restored. Moreover, the conductivity of the hydrogel changes with different ambient temperatures and humidity. Finally, the hydrogel is explored as a humidity sensor.

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Funding

This research received no external funding.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. School of Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Information, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan, China

    Ying Yi

  2. Division of Information and Computing Technology, College of Science and Engineering, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar

    Ying Yi & Bo Wang

  3. Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada

    Mu Chiao

  4. Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Doha, Qatar

    Khaled A. Mahmoud

  5. Chinese Academy of Fishery Sciences, Beijing, China

    Lidong Wu

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  1. Ying Yi
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  2. Mu Chiao
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  3. Khaled A. Mahmoud
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  4. Lidong Wu
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  5. Bo Wang
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Correspondence to Bo Wang.

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Yi, Y., Chiao, M., Mahmoud, K.A. et al. Preparation and characterization of PVA/PVP conductive hydrogels formed by freeze–thaw processes as a promising material for sensor applications. J Mater Sci 57, 8029–8038 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-022-07179-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-022-07179-8

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