Study on the Polyvinylalcohol/Montmorillonite Composite Hydrogel

Abstract

A series of alkyl ammonium/montmorillonite (MMT) were compounded with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) to prepare the composite hydrogel with improved water absorbency and mechanical property. The effect of the nature of the surfactants on the intercalation of PVA chains within the silicate galleries, the interfacial compatibility and the properties of the composites was studied. A proper type and content of MMT can increase the glass transition temperature, and enhance the swelling behavior and the mechanical properties of the composites. In order to investigate the interaction of the molecules of PVA with water, the state of water in the hydrogel was studied.