Mechanical and Tribological Analysis of Polyacrylamide/Alginate Hybrid Hydrogels for Potential Cartilage Treatment

In this study, polyacrylamide/alginate (PAAm/Alg) based hydrogels have been synthesized and investigated. The four different produced contained concentrations of single- or double- network polymer: 15 wt.% single-network (SN-15), 30 (SN-30), double-network (DN-15), (DN-30). tribological performance these was investigated by using a custom pin-on-disc tribometer in phosphate buffered saline (PBS), where samples were reciprocated against CoCrMo femoral head under an applied load 5 10 N, at average sliding speed 20 mms-1, body temperature (37±1 °C). compressive tangent modulus also determined compressing strain rate 1 min-1, while submerged PBS, both ambient temperatures. results showed that higher polymer concentration type structure led to improved friction (lower co-efficient) wear track area) properties. Samples performed better when lower used. Sample DN-30 exhibited the highest modulus. These outcomes contributed understanding mechanical PAAm/Alg blend performing certain physiological conditions.