Effect of Glycerol on the Properties of the Cross‐Linked Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel Beads

Abstract Poly(vinyl alcohol) ( PVA )/glycerol hydrogel beads were created, using saturated boric acid and calcium chloride solution as the chemical crosslinking agents. The structure and properties of the PVA /glycerol hydrogel beads were studied. The results indicated that glycerol could improved the water absorption rate and the swelling rate at equilibrium. Also improved were the capillary water absorption capacity and the permeability of the PVA/glycerol hydrogel beads. The rheological tests showed that glycerol was able to improve the effective crosslinking density of the hydrogel beads. The amount of total water of the PVA /glycerol hydrogel beads slightly increased upon the addition of glycerol.