Mechanical and Biotribological Properties of PVA/SB Triple-Network Hydrogel for Biomimetic Artificial Cartilage

Poly (vinyl alcohol) hydrogel has been perceived as a promising replacement for articular cartilage due to its superior water-absorption ability and excellent biocompatibility, but its mechanical properties are still insufficient. In this study, the poly (vinyl alcohol)/sodium tetraborate triple-network (PVA/SB TN) hydrogel was developed by repeated freeze–thaw method. Scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated that the structure of as-prepared hydrogels was three-dimensional porous network structure similar to that of natural articular cartilage. Compared to the pure PVA hydrogel, the mechanical performance of the PVA/SB TN hydrogels were improved by 116% and 461% in tensile and compressive strengths, respectively. This was mainly because that the complexation reaction between the PVA and SB strengthened the stability of the hydrogel network. Notably, the biotribological performance of PVA hydrogel has also been improved significantly. Even at high load, the friction coefficient of the PVA/SB TN hydrogel was both very low in calf serum or deionized water. This PVA/SB TN hydrogel with good mechanical property and low friction has high application potential in cartilage repair.