Effect of Corn Straw Addition on Mechanical Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel

In this study, PVA/CS composite hydrogels were prepared by means of freezing and thawing cycles of agricultural wastes, corn straw (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The mechanical properties of the composite hydrogels were analyzed by universal tensile device. The effects of CS on tensile strength and elongation at break of PVA/CS composite hydrogels were analyzed. On the other hand, PVA and PVA/CS composite hydrogels were also freeze-dried to investigate the mechanical properties of all hydrogels after drying.