Effect of Crosslinking Agent on the Cellulose Nanocrystals Reinforced Hydroxyethyl Cellulose/Poly(Vinyl Alcohol) Scaffolds

Abstract The aim of this study is to analyze the effect of the crosslinking agent on the blend bioplolymerized hydroxyethyl cellulose and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) with cellulose nanocrystal porous scaffolds. The hydroxyethyl cellulose/PVA/crystal nanocellulose (HEC/PVA/CNC) is crosslinked by using two different polymer solutions which are glutaraldehyde (GA) (1 wt.%) and calcium chloride (20 wt.%). The comparison on the physicochemical properties of the crosslinked scaffolds is characterized via field electron scanning electron microscope (FESEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), TGA, degradation, and mechanical properties studies. The results show that the properties of fabricated scaffolds are improved by crosslinking process with more prominent results on GA organic compound. Overall, the HEC/PVA/CNC scaffolds are exhibited good physicochemical properties and can be considered as potential substrate for tissue engineering applications.