Nanocomposite hydrogels are composed of polymer and nanoparticles, such as clay, graphene and graphene oxide. The presence of nanoparticles improves mechanical resistance and thermal stability of hydrogels. Green chemistry trend promotes the use of renewable, non-toxic, natural and biodegradable polymers, including scleroglucan. Scleroglucan is a natural polysaccharide that forms a physically cross-linked hydrogel in aqueous solutions, which is stable in a wide pH range and exhibits pseudoplastic properties.
In my master’s thesis, I studied the influence of layered nanoparticles addition on the rheological properties of scleroglucan hydrogels. I selected the following additives: clay (Cloisite 30B, Cloisite Na+, Laponite RD), graphene and graphene oxide. I found out that the type and amount of layered nanomaterial addition affects the rheological properties of scleroglucan hydrogel. Rheological properties are also affected by aging and changes in pH values. Based on the results of the rheological tests, I concluded type of interactions between scleroglucan particles and nanoparticles, which may be hydrophilic or hydrophobic nature.
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