Flexible hydrophobic association hydrogel prepared by xylan and lauryl methacrylate

Abstract This study investigated the possibility of xylan-based flexible hydrophobic association hydrogels. Lauryl methacrylate (LMA) was used as hydrophobic monomer. The effects of acrylamide (AM), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and LMA amounts on the mechanical properties of the hydrogels were investigated. The hydrogels showed better tensile strength (30 kPa ~ 341.8 kPa) and higher elongation at break (1726.7%~2964.5%). These results suggested that these hydrogels have good flexibility. Moreover, the hydrogels exhibited good thermal properties at the range of 30 ~ 80 ℃. These hydrogels with toughness, good water-retaining property and good thermal property would be applied in many fields.