Research Results from Beijing Institute of Technology Update Understanding of Tissue Engineering (Research on the Thermal Aging Mechanism of Polyvinyl Alcohol Hydrogel).

A recent report from the Beijing Institute of Technology discusses research on the thermal aging mechanism of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel, which is commonly used in machinery and tissue engineering due to its mechanical properties. The study conducted high-temperature accelerated aging tests on PVA hydrogels and analyzed their performance. The findings revealed three aging stages, including a reduction in free water, a reduction in bound water, and the depletion of bound water, which corresponded to volume shrinkage, decreased elongation, and a "tough-brittle" transition. The study concluded that the loss of bound water significantly affected the lifespan of PVA hydrogel structural components. This research provides valuable insights for assessing and improving the lifespan of PVA hydrogels. [Extracted from the article]