Effect of Gamma Ray Irradiation on Friction Property of Poly(vinyl alcohol) Cast-Drying on Freeze-Thawed Hybrid Gel

• Main Authors: Saori Sasaki, Seiji Omata, Teruo Murakami, Naotsugu Nagasawa, Mitsumasa Taguchi, Atsushi Suzuki
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: MDPI AG 2018-03-01
• Series: Gels
• Subjects: PVA gel; gamma ray sterilization; artificial hydrogel cartilage; frictional property; wear
• Online Access: http://www.mdpi.com/2310-2861/4/2/30

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) is a biocompatible polymer with low toxicity. It is possible to prepare physically cross-linked PVA gels having hydrogen bonds without using a cross-linking agent. The newly reported physically cross-linked PVA cast-drying (CD) on freeze-thawed (FT) hybrid gel has an excellent friction property, which is expected to be applied as a candidate material for artificial cartilage. Gamma ray sterilization for clinical applications usually causes additional chemical cross-linking and changes physical properties of gels. In this study, CD on FT hybrid gels were irradiated using gamma rays at a different dose rate and irradiance. The results showed the optimized irradiation conditions for gamma irradiated gels to retain excellent friction characteristics.