Work

Hexadecylamine Addition Promotes Crystallization-Driven Functionalities in Freezing–Thaw PVA Hydrogels

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is widely employed for hydrogel fabrication due to its ability to form stable, physically or chemically cross-linked three-dimensional networks. Among production methods, the freezing-thaw (F-T) technique stands out for its simplicity and effectiveness. This study presents a straightforward methodology for preparing functional PVA hydrogels in aqueous media by blending PVA with a crystallizable hexadecyl alkylamine (C16). Incorporating small amounts of hydrophobic, amphiphilic hexadecylamine into PVA hydrogels via freezing-thaw blending significantly alters crystallization and network structure, enabling gel formation in water without surfactants, solvents, or cross-linkers. C16 enhances phase separation and promotes PVA crystalline domains while remaining amorphous. The resulting PVA/C16 hydrogels exhibit enhanced thermomechanical properties, demonstrating additional functionalities such as self-healing and improved adhesion to polar surfaces. This crystallization-driven gelation via immiscible blending offers a scalable strategy with potential in wearable electronics, soft robotics, and biomedical devices.

Source: Macromolecules

DOI: 10.1021/acs.macromol.5c01534

Authors: Alexis Alvear-Jiménez, Mercedes Fernández, Alejandro J. Müller, Rebeca Hernández

Institutions: University of the Basque Country, Instituto de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros, Polymat, Ikerbasque

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,500

Funder: Ministerio de Ciencia, Innovación y Universidades