A Polyvinyl Alcohol/Acrylamide Hydrogel with Enhanced Mechanical Properties Promotes Full-Thickness Skin Defect Healing by Regulating Immunomodulation and Angiogenesis Through Paracrine Secretion

Hydrogel-based tissue-engineered skin has attracted increased attention due to its potential to restore the structural integrity and functionality of skin.However,the mechanical properties of hydrogel scaffolds and natural skin are substantially different.Here,we developed a polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)/acrylamide based interpenetrating network(IPN)hydrogel that was surface modified with polydopamine(PDA)and termed Dopa-gel.The Dopa-gel exhibited mechanical properties similar to native skin tissue and a superior ability to modulate paracrine functions.Furthermore,a tough scaffold with tensile resistance was fabricated using this hydrogel by three-dimensional printing.The results showed that the interpenetration of PVA,alginate,and polyacrylamide networks notably enhanced the mechanical properties of the hydrogel.Surface modification with PDA endowed the hydrogels with increased secretion of immunomodulatory and proangiogenic factors.In an in vivo model,Dopa-gel treatment accelerated wound closure,increased vascularization,and promoted a shift in macrophages from a proinflammatory M1 phenotype to a prohealing and anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype within the wound area.Mechanistically,the focal adhesion kinase(FAK)/extracellular signal-related kinase(ERK)signaling pathway may mediate the promotion of skin defect healing by increasing paracrine secretion via the Dopa-gel.Additionally,proangiogenic factors can be induced through Rho-associated kinase-2(ROCK-2)/vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)-mediated paracrine secretion under tensile stress conditions.Taken together,these findings suggest that the multifunctional Dopa-gel,which has good mechanical properties similar to those of native skin tissue and enhanced immunomodulatory and angiogenic properties,is a promising scaffold for skin tissue regeneration.

Effect of Polyvinyl Alcohol in Inner Aqueous Phase on Stability of Millimeter-scale Capsules

The millimeter-scale capsules with controllable morphology,ultra-low permeability and excellent mechanical stability were fabricated by millifluidics.Viscosity of inner phase was adjusted to control the morphology and properties of the capsules.In detail,as the concentration of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)increased from 0 to 8% in the inner phase of the capsules,the diameter of capsules decreased from 3.33 ± 0.01mm to 2.97 ± 0.01 mm,the shell thickness of capsules decreased from 0.183 ± 0.004 mm to 0.155 ± 0.003 mm.While the capsules had round shape and high sphericity.Notably,the capsules with 2% PVA in the inner phase had remarkably decreased water permeability and good morphological stability.Specifically,the end-time of water losing of the capsules was up to 49 days,while the dehydrated capsules maintained spherical appearance,and crushing force of the capsules was up to 13.73 ± 0.79 N,which ensured stability during processing and transportation.This research provides a new strategy for stable encapsulation of small molecules.

Polyvinyl Acetate and Vinyl Acetate-Ethylene Hybrid Adhesive: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties

The goal is to develop a hybrid IPN network of polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) and ethylene-vinyl acetate (VAE). In this research work, the vinyl acetate (VAc)/ VAE hybrid emulsion and polyvinyl acetate emulsion (PVAc) were effectively synthesized. Emulsions with various characteristics have been developed by adjusting the weight ratios between the vinyl acetate monomer and the VAE component. The impacts on the mechanical, thermal, and physical properties of the films were investigated using tests for pencil hardness, tensile shear strength, pH, contact angle measurement, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and viscosity. When 5.0 weight percent VAE was added, the tensile shear strength in dry conditions decreased by 18.75% after a 24-hour bonding period, the heat resistance decreased by 26.29% (as per WATT 91) and the tensile shear strength decreased by approximately 36.52% in wet conditions (per EN 204). The pristine sample’s results were also confirmed by the contact angle test. The interpenetrating network (IPN) formation in hybrid PVAc emulsion as primary bonds does not directly attach to PVAc and VAE chains. The addition of VAE reduced the mechanical properties (at dry conditions) and heat resistance as per WATT 91. Contact angle analysis demonstrated that PVAc adhesives containing VAE had increased water resistance when compared to conventional PVA stabilised PVAc homopolymer-based adhesives. When compared to virgin PVAc Homo, the water resistance of the PVAc emulsion polymerization was enhanced by the addition of VAE.

Fabrication of High-Efficiency Polyvinyl Alcohol Nanofiber Membranes for Air Filtration Based on Principle of Stable Electrospinning

A mass flow matching model(MFMM)was established for studying the stable status of solution electrospinning.The study of the solution droplet status at the needle tip focused on various combinations of applied voltages and injection rates to figure out their influence on steadily fabricating polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)nanofibers prepared from PVA spinning solutions with two different mass fractions(10%and 16%).The results revealed that during the stable electrospinning,the influence resulted from the change of the injection rate approximately canceled out the impact brought by adjusting the applied voltage,leading to almost the same morphology as that of the PVA nanofibers.And the mass fraction of PVA in the spinning solution dominated the structure and the diameter distribution of the electrospun nanofibers.Under stable electrospinning conditions,the composite membrane was produced by depositing PVA nanofibers on the polyethylene terephthalate(PET)nonwoven substrate for an air filtration test.Furthermore,the prepared composite membrane exhibited a high air filtration efficiency(99.97%)and a low pressure drop(120 Pa)for 300-500 nm neutralized polystyrene latex(PSL)aerosol particles,demonstrating its potential as an alternative for a variety of commercial applications in air filtration.

Preparation of Film Based on Polyvinyl Alcohol Modified by Alkaline Starch and Lignin Fiber

This study presents an easily prepared film based on alkaline starch-polyvinyl alcohol hybrid and lignin fiber as an additive(SPL film).The SPL film was prepared under acidic conditions through a polycondensation reaction of PVA and a mixture incorporating alkaline starch and lignin fiber from agriculture or forest source.The examination using scanning electron microscopy(SEM)showed that the surface of SPL film was smooth and the lignin fiber had good compatibility within the film hybrid.Electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy(ESI-MS)and fourier transform infrared(FTIR)investigations indicated that alkaline starch and lignin fiber reacted with PVA under acidic conditions and that–CH_(2)–O–groups were involved in the cross-linking of the SPL system.In addition,the SPL film exhibited only 4%light transmittance,which effectively reduces the ultraviolet and visible light(UV-Vis)penetration,along with good performance when exposed to thermal degradation,in which the mass loss reached around 60%at 400℃.More-over,the SPL film acquired excellent tensile strength,which is much higher than that of PVA-lignin(PL)composite film.

Synthesis of Microcrystalline Cellulose—Polyvinyl Alcohol Stabilized Polyvinyl Acetate Emulsion

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) colloid stabilized Polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) based wood adhesive has poor performance in highly humid conditions. Currently, the addition of natural fillers in the wood adhesive is one of the most effective ways to enhance the performance of PVAc wood adhesive in highly moist conditions. Microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) are strong renewable, bio-based material and has great potential in a reinforcement of the polymeric matrix. Hence, the present work investigates the applicability of microcrystalline cellulose incorporated 3% and 5% in situ emulsion polymerization PVAc wood adhesives. Effect on physical, thermal and mechanical properties was studied by viscosity, pH, contact angle measurement, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and pencil hardness test of films. Emulsions with different proportions of MCC were prepared and the shear strength of the applied adhesive on wood was measured. The viscosity of the adhesives was increased by increasing the concentration of MCC. The mechanical properties like tensile strength of adhesives with MCC were measured by universal tensile machine (UTM). Thermal stability was studied by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The tensile shear strength demonstrates that MCC can improve bonding strength as compared to PVAc Homo based adhesive in the wet condition which was validated through a contact angle study. The hardness of PVAc films were also changed positively by the addition of MCC. Here, we studied the effect of the addition of different concentrations of MCC materials in situ polymerization of PVAc on their performance properties.

Experimental study on mechanical and frost heave behaviors of silty clay improved by polyvinyl alcohol and polypropylene fiber

Silty clay is widely used as subgrade filler in cold regions,which suffer from frost heave in winter and mud pumping in spring.In this study,polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)and polypropylene(PP)fiber were used to improve the mechanical and frost heave behavior of silty clay in cold regions,and the direct shear test and one-dimensional frost heave test were employed in studying improvement effects.Moreover,improvement mechanisms of PVA and PP fiber were analyzed based on test results.The main findings are as follows.(1)Both PP and PVA can heighten the strength of silty clay and suppress frost heave,but the PVA solution has a more decisive influence on improving mechanical properties than PP fiber.(2)The improvement mechanism of the PVA solution is cementing.The improvement effect of 2%PVA solution is the best,which can increase the shear strength by approximately 40%–60%at different stress levels and decrease the frost heave ratio from 0.89%to 0.16%at optimal water content.(3)For 2%PVA improved samples,0.25%PP fiber can further increase soil cohesion by approximately 20–30 kPa at different stress levels and further decrease the frost heave ratio from 0.16%to 0.07%at optimal water content.The improvement effect is neglectable when the PP fiber content exceeds 0.25%.Overall,2%PVA with 0.25%PP fiber is the optimum combination to improve silty clay in cold regions.

Study of Cross-Linking between Boric Acid and Different Types of Polyvinyl Alcohol Adhesive

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is water-soluble polymer manufactured by the saponification of polyvinyl acetate. The physical properties and its specific application depend on the degree of hydrolysis. To enhance the properties of different hydrolyzed PVA grades, it is generally chemically modified with various cross-linkers. Here, different degree hydrolyzed PVA grades with enhanced properties were achieved by cross-linking with boric acid. These samples were then characterized by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and Gel permeation chromatography (GPC). For further analysis a film of samples were prepared by casting on glass plate. The effects of amount of boric acid and degree of hydrolysis of PVA on performance properties like tensile strength, pencil hardness and thermal properties like glass transition temperature were studied. The results showed that by cross-linking there was an increase in mechanical strength and thermal property.

2,4-Dinitrophenyl Ether of Polyvinyl Alcohol and Polymer Bound Anionic SIGMA Complexes

A new electrophilic polymer, 2,4-dinitrophenyl ether of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA-DNP), having a degree of substitution of 0.5 was prepared from polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and 1-fluro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (DNFB). The PVA-DNP polymer was characterized by NMR, IR, and UV-visible spectroscopy. The reaction of PVA-DNP with sodium methoxide was followed by NMR and UV-visible spectroscopy. Evidence of polymer bound spirocyclic SIGMA complex, C-1 and C-3 polymer bound DNP-methoxy SIGMA complexes and the formation and C-1 methoxy complex of 2,4-dinitroanisole was observed.

Preparation for Polyvinyl Alcohol Hollow Microsphere and Its Sustained Release Effect on Urea

[Objective] The aim of this study was to discuss the optimizing preparation conditions of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)hollow microsphere and its application in the production of slow-release urea fertilizer.[Method]PVA hollow microsphere was prepared by the emulsion chemical cross-linking method,while its composition,morphology and particle size was analyzed by technologies of FT-IR,SEM and TEM respectively.Thus,factors such as rate of emulsified speed,crosslink temperature and linking agent amount with effects on morphology and particle size of hollow microsphere were also discussed in this study.Furthermore,based on the optimizing preparation conditions,PVA fertilizer carrier microsphere was prepared by coating urea to investigate its sustained release effect on urea.[Result]The optimizing preparation conditions of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)hollow microsphere were as follows:rate of emulsified speed 6 000 r/min,crosslink temperature 35 ℃ and linking agent amount 25 ml.PVA fertilizer carrier microsphere had significant sustained release effect on urea,and the optimal cross-linking time was 3 hours.[Conclusion]This study provides theoretical basis for the development of new slow-release fertilizer.

Immobilization of activated sludge using improved polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) gel

The microbial immobilization method using polyvinyl alcohol （PVA） gel as an immobilizing material was improved and used for entrapment of activated sludge. The oxygen uptake rate （OUR） was used to characterize the biological activity of immobilized activated sludge. Three kinds of PVA-immobilized particles of activated sludge, that is, PVA-boric acid beads, PVA-sodium nitrate beads and PVA-orthophosphate beads were prepared, and their biological activity was compared by measuring the OUR value. The bioactivity of both autotrophic and heterotrophic microorganisms of activated sludge was determined using different synthetic wastewater media （containing 250 mg/L COD and 25 mg/L NH4^＋ -N）. The experimental results showed that the bioactivity and stability of the three kinds of immobilized activated sludge was greatly improved after activation. With respect of the bioactivity and the mechanical stability, the PVA-orthophosphate method may be a promising and economical technique for microbial immobilization.

Hydrogen generation from polyvinyl alcohol-contaminated wastewater by a process of supercritical water gasification

Gasification of polyvinyl alcohol （PVA）-contaminated wastewater in supercritical water （SCW） was investigated in a continuous flow reactor at 723-873 K, 20-36 MPa and residence time of 20-450 s. The gas and liquid products were analyzed by GC/TCD, and TOC analyzer. The main gas products were H2, CH4, CO and CO2. Pressure change had no significant influence on gasification efficiency. Higher temperature and longer residence time enhanced gasification efficiency, and lower temperature favored the production of H2. The effects of KOH catalyst on gas product composition were studied, and gasification efficiency were analyzed. The TOC removal efficiency （RTOC）, carbon gasification ratio （RCG） and hydrogen gasification ratio （RHG） were up to 96.00%, 95.92% and 126.40% at 873 K and 60 s, respectively, which suggests PVA can be completely gasified in SCW. The results indicate supercritical water gasification for hydrogen generation is a promising process for the treatment ofPVA wastewater.

Fabrication and Characterization of One Interpenetrating Network Hydrogel Based on Sodium Alginate and Polyvinyl Alcohol

One interpenetrating network hydrogel based on sodium alginate (SA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was synthesized by combining the raw materials of PVA and SA with the double physical crosslinking methods of freezing thawing and Ca2+ crosslinking. The PVA-SA composite hydrogel have been characterized by scanning electron microscopy for surface morphology, infrared spectroscopy for investigating the chemical interactions between PVA and SA, X-ray diffraction for studying the PVA-SA composite structure property and thermal gravimetric for understanding the PVA-SA composite thermal stability. The swelling behavior and the degradation rate of the PVA-SA composite hydrogel were studied in simulated gastrointestinal fluid. Using bovine serum albumin (BSA) and salicylic acid as the model drugs, the release behavior of the PVASA composite hydrogel on macromolecular protein drugs and small molecule drug were evaluated. The results showed that the water absorption and degradation ability of the PVA-SA composite hydrogel was much better compared to the pure SA hydrogel or pure PVA hydrogel. The hydrogel exhibited remarkable pH sensitivity and the network was stable in the simulated intestinal fluid for more than 24 h. With the advantages such as mild preparation conditions, simple method, less reagent and none severe reaction, the PVA-SA composite hydrogel is expected to be a new prosperous facile sustained drug delivery carrier.

Preparation and Properties of Chitosan/Polyvinyl Alcohol Blended Fiber Membrane for Medical Dressing

The antibacterial dressing prepared by the electrospinning can play a role in protecting the wound,preventing infection and promoting wound healing,and have broad application prospects.Chitosan(CS)/polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)blended fiber membrane was successfully prepared by electrospinning.The fiber morphology,thermal properties and material composition of CS/PVA blended fiber membrane were studied,and the interaction between CS and PVA was analyzed,and the optimum blend ratio was also determined.Then glutaraldehyde(GA)steam cross-linking of the blended fiber membrane was carried out in order to improve the water resistance of the fiber membrane.At the same time,the effect of different cross-linking time on the water resistance of fiber membrane was investigated.The apparent morphology of the fiber membrane was observed by a scanning electron microscope(SEM).The results showed that with the increase of spinning solution concentration,the morphology of the fiber became more and more regular,and the fiber diameter increased gradually.The intermolecular interaction between CS and PVA was found by Fourier transform infrared(FTIR)spectroscopy and thermal properties,which improved the spinnability of CS electrospinning.After cross-linking,the water resistance of the fiber membrane was greatly improved,among which the effect of 4 h cross-linking was the best,and the water resistance of the fiber membrane increased by 64.89%.

Study on photodegradation of Azo dye by polyoxometalates/polyvinyl alcohol

A series of photocatalysts, K11[Ln(PW11O39)2]/PVA (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) were prepared by K11[Ln(PW11O39)2] (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm) containing five kinds of lanthanides and polyvinyl alcohol as the support. The catalysts obtained were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectra, UV-vis spectra, powder X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy, indicating that the structure of K11[Ln(PW11O39)2] and polyvinyl alcohol remained intact, respectively. The photocatalysts exhibited efficient catalytic activity to degrade methyl orange, Congo Red, Ponceau 2R. The maximal degradation conversions of the three kinds of dyes were 99.58%, 47.61%, 72.42%, respectively.

Electrically induced gel-sol transition of polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylamide semi-interpenetrated hydrogels

Polyvinyl alcohol/polyacrylamide semi-interpenetrated hydrogels were prepared via freeze-thaw process. When a 20 V of DC was applied across the gels, the gels with lower polyacrylamide content underwent a contraction or partly turned into solution, while for the gels. with higher polyacrylamide concentration, a complete gel-sol transition was observed in a short time.

Preparation of felt-metal supported modified polyvinyl alcohol composite hydrophilic ultrafiltration membrane

A novel technology of preparation of felt-metal supported modified polyvinyl alcohol（PVA） ultrafiltration（UF） membrane was invented, which could avoid the blockage of the holes of support layer and the leakage of the casting solution through the holes of support layer. Felt-metal supported ferric sulfate modified PVA composite UF membranes were prepared by the innovative technology. The results show that the composite membranes are used to treat 1 000 mg/L oil/water emulsion at trans-membrane pressure from 0.25 to 0.45 MPa, the permeate flux is from 36 to 52 L/（m2·h）, and the retention of chemical oxygen demand（COD） is over 92%. The composite membrane resistance increases with the increase of trans-naembrane pressure.

Starch-g-poly (vinyl alcohol) as Compatibilizer for Reducing the Phase Separation Rates of Polyvinyl Alcohol/Cornstarch Pastes

Starch- g-poly(vinyl alcohol) as a compatibilizing agent for reducing the phase separation rates of polyvinyl alcohol/starch pastes has been investigated by blending and dissolving the two polymers in distilled water. The separation rates were quantitatively evaluated by the term of initiul demixing time. The grafted starches, with a series of grafting ratios, were prepared by grafting a number of vinyl acetate onto granular cornstarch in aqueous dispersion and then alcoholating in methanol. It was found that the addition of small amounts of starch- g poly (vinyl alcohol ) in the size compositions can effectively decrease the separation rates of the blended pastes in comparison to pure starch/PVA ones.Moreover, the influence of the grafting ratio, starch content, and PVA variety on the separation rates was also studied.

Fracture and Tensile Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol Fiber Reinforced Cementitous Composites

Experiments were carried out to design polyvinyl alcohol （PVA） fiber reinforced cementitous composites （PVA-FRCCs） holding high ductility and energy consumption ability. Besides, the properties of each ingredients in composites, mixing method and technology for fresh mixture were described in detail. Then, the pseudo-strain-hardening （PSH） behavior was investigated in uniaxial tension test. As a result, the maximum ultimate tensile strain can reach 0.7 percent. On the other hand, the single edge notch （SEN） thin sheet specimens were employed to gain the normal tensile load via crack mouth opening displacement （CMOD） curves, which can show obvious PSH behavior. In addition, the curves can be divided into four zones whose fracture toughness calculation methods were discussed. The wedge splitting （WS） test method can be applied to discuss the fracture toughness. Moreover, fracture energy of SEN and WS specimens were both approximately evaluated.

Preparation and Properties of Bio-Based Flame Retardant Polyvinyl Alcohol

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been widely used in the fields of medical, food and packaging due to its excellentbiocompatibility, good fiber-forming and film-forming properties. However, the high flammability of PVA hasgreatly limited its wider applications. The flame-retardant PVA was prepared by melt blending of a bio-basedflame retardant (prepared from lignin, phosphoric acid and carbamide) with thermoplastic PVA (TPVA). Thechemical structure, morphology, thermal properties, mechanical properties, fire property and fluidity of thisflame retardant PVA were investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer(FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscope(SEM), thermogravimetric analyzer(TGA), impact tester, universal testing machine,horizontal-vertical burning tester, limiting oxygen indexer(LOI) and melt flow rate meter(MFR). The resultsshowed that the prepared flame retardant had good compatibility with the PVA substrate;The impact strength,melt flow rate, fire property and char residue of this PVA material increased with the content of bio-based flameretardant. When the content of flame retardant was of 20%, the five indices including impact strength, meltflow rate, UL-94 level, LOI and char residual were 11.3 KJ/m^(2), 21.2 g/10 min, V-0 UL-94 level, 33.1%, and19.2%, respectively. This research can promote the high-value utilization of lignin and the application ofPVA in the fields of fire protection.