Development of a poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)/poly (ethylene glycol) hydrogel membrane reinforced with methyl methacrylate-grafted polypropylene fibers for possible use as wound dressing

A hydrogel is a polymeric material that exhibits the ability to swell in water and retains a significant fraction of water within its structure, but does not dissolve in water. One of the major problems in the application of these materials is their relatively poor mechanical strength, attributed to the high degree of hydration of the gel. This work was directed to the study of the interactions between hydrophobic and hydrophilized fibers, with the objective of optimization of the mechanical properties of poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone) membranes. The membranes were prepared by electron-beam irradiation of an aqueous polymer solution. A nonwoven cloth made of polypropylene matted fiber, grafted with methyl methacrylate, was employed as a reinforcement. The changes in the main properties of the membranes, such as the gel content, swelling characteristics, cytotoxicity, and mechanical behavior, were investigated. The results showed an increase of 800% in tensile strength, without changes in the swelling and cytotoxicity. (C) 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.