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Thermally exfoliated graphene oxide reinforced stress responsive conductive nanocomposite hydrogel
Author(s) -
Gupta Tanmay,
Pradhan Ambikeya,
BandyopadhyayGhosh Sanchita,
Ghosh Subrata Bandhu
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
polymers for advanced technologies
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.61
H-Index - 90
eISSN - 1099-1581
pISSN - 1042-7147
DOI - 10.1002/pat.4685
Subject(s) - materials science , vinyl alcohol , self healing hydrogels , nanocomposite , graphene , oxide , composite material , rheology , electrical conductor , biosensor , nanotechnology , polymer , polymer chemistry , metallurgy
Lightweight and flexible biosensors that can sustain mechanical deformation and can be adhered to human skin is an interesting field of study. In the current article, a systematic study on development of thermally exfoliated graphene oxide (TEGO)–reinforced poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)–based conductive hydrogel nanocomposites has been reported. The free‐standing hydrogels were synthesized using controlled and repetitive freeze‐thaw cycles. The samples were then studied for their mechanical as well as electrical properties. The hydrogels were characterized for their microstructural, chemical, and rheological properties to understand the observed macroscopic properties. Additionally, a study on the behavior of hydrogels immersed in phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) was carried out to investigate their hydrolytic stability within simulated biological environment. Overall, the nanocomposite hydrogels demonstrated excellent static and dynamic mechanical performance, stability in PBS, considerable electrical conductivity, and significant electrical response to applied external stress, establishing their potential for use as flexible biosensors.