Highly compressible hydrogel reinforced with cellulose nanocrystals for ultrasound scanning via microwave-assisted synthesis

In this study, a rapid fabrication method was developed to prepare hydrogel structures with high mechanical strength and low attenuation coefficient for ultrasound scanning. Poly acrylic acid (PAA) first prepared via free radical polymerization approach. To shorten the process time (~ 30 min in water bath), microwave heating applied facilitate reaction reduce down 80 s. The produced hydrogels showed excellent elasticity but had compressive of 100 kPa. further enhance strengths PAA hydrogels, cellulosenanocrystals (CNCs) were added precursor solution. After assisted crosslinking process, increased 350 Moreover, ultimate strain enhanced from 60 80% great recoverability. PAA/CNC has trnansimission high-quality images comparable conventional liquid hydrogels. demonstrate feasibility ultrasonic medical applications, customized probe coat created 3D printed mold practically used scanning process.