Cellulose Composite Hydrogels via Freeze-Thaw Cycling: Effect of Polymer Composition on Swelling, Compressive Strength, and Microstructure for Wound Dressing Applications

Hydrogels are widely developed as wound dressings, yet pure glucomannan hydrogels have weak mechanical properties, and many synthetic hydrogels depend on petroleum-derived polymers or cytotoxic chemical crosslinkers. This study synthesized composite hydrogels from glucomannan, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) by physical crosslinking, using six freeze–thaw cycles (?15 °C for 20 h; room temperature for 4 h) without chemical crosslinking agents. We combined glucomannan (7.5 g per 100 mL) with PVA (0, 1.5, 3, 4.5, and 6% w/v) and CMC (0, 3, 7, 10, and 14% w/v), yielding 25 formulations. We evaluated swelling ratio (3-h immersion), pH, compressive strength, SEM–EDX, and FTIR. Swelling ratios ranged from 74.82% (6% PVA; 14% CMC) to 2280.34% (1.5% PVA; 0% CMC) and decreased consistently as CMC increased, whereas PVA produced a non-linear effect. All measured samples had a pH of 4–6. Formulations with 6% PVA and 7–10% CMC disintegrated during immersion. The three formulations tested for compression reached 0.018–0.035 MPa, highest at 0% CMC and 1.5% PVA. FTIR showed band shifts but no new functional groups, consistent with hydrogen-bond-based physical crosslinking. Formulations with 1.5–4.5% PVA and up to 7% CMC are the most promising for wound dressing use. This work supports SDG 3, SDG 9, and SDG 12. Contribution to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):SDG 3: Good Health and Well-BeingSDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and InfrastructureSDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production