POLYVINYL ALCOHOL-POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL/GLYCERIN HYDROGEL ENHANCED PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS: STATISTICAL COMPOSITION

This study addresses the weaknesses of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogels by modifying their compositions through cross-linking with other polymers and adjusting the composition. PVA-polyethylene glycol (PVA-PEG) hydrogels, incorporating glycerin, were synthesized for wound dressings using the freeze-thaw method. Central composite design (CCD) and response surface methodology (RSM) assessed the impact of PEG and glycerin concentrations on moisture retention capability (MRC). The optimized composition, with 6% (w/v) PEG and 4% (w/v) glycerin, achieved the highest MRC at 46.82 ± 0.54%. The hydrogel exhibited a swelling capacity of 143.24 ± 1.66%, a gel fraction of 58.06 ± 1.65%, and a porosity of 42.17 ± 0.94%. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) confirmed surface features and porosity, while Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra analysis verified cross-linking within the PVA-PEG matrix with glycerin. These findings highlight the hydrogel's potential for wound dressings due to its favorable attribute.