Development of tough cellulose hydrogels using freeze-concentrated layers

Sekine, Yurina   

In this paper, we introduce the fabrication and properties of carboxymethyl cellulose nanofiber (CMCF) hydrogels with high compression recoverability, macroporosity, and nontoxic properties by utilizing the phase separation phenomenon of ice crystals and solutes that occurs during freezing of aqueous solutions. The features of the developed freeze cross-linked CMCF hydrogel include that it can be made from harmless raw materials with simple procedure, high water content, and biodegradability. By taking advantage of these properties, this hydrogel synthesis technique can contribute to expanding the use of cellulose derivatives as environmental purifiers, functional materials, etc.