Eggshell Particle-Reinforced PVA/GO Hydrogel with Self-Healing Effect

ESENCAN TÜRKASLAN B., Dogu M.

Polymers, vol.18, no.12, 2026 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus)

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 18 Issue: 12
  • Publication Date: 2026
  • Doi Number: 10.3390/polym18121541
  • Journal Name: Polymers
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Chemical Abstracts Core, Compendex, INSPEC, Academic Search Ultimate (EBSCO), Engineering Source (EBSCO), Materials Science & Engineering Collection (ProQuest), Technology Collection (ProQuest)
  • Keywords: biomaterials, composite hydrogel, eggshell particle, graphene oxide, polyvinyl alcohol, self-healing
  • Süleyman Demirel University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Self-healing biomaterials have attracted significant attention due to their ability to restore structural integrity, extend material lifetime, and reduce maintenance costs without external intervention. In this study, Polyvinyl Alcohol/Graphene Oxide/Eggshell Particle (PVA/GO/ESP) composite hydrogels were synthesized via a freeze–thawing method and characterized using XRD, SEM/EDS, and FTIR analyses. The effect of ESP incorporation on the self-healing and mechanical properties of the hydrogels was systematically investigated. Tensile test results demonstrated that incorporation of 1 wt% ESP improved the tensile strength up to 0.326 MPa while maintaining high strain capacity. Healing efficiency values calculated from recovered tensile strength showed approximately 69%, 47%, and 67% recovery for PVA/GO, PVA/GO/ESP (0.5%), and PVA/GO/ESP (1%) hydrogels, respectively. The developed hydrogels demonstrated rapid self-healing behavior at room temperature without external stimuli. These findings suggest that ESP-reinforced PVA/GO hydrogels may serve as promising candidates for future biomaterial and soft tissue engineering studies. The developed hydrogels demonstrated enhanced tensile strength, rapid self-healing behavior, and promising swelling properties, indicating their potential use in soft tissue engineering and biomaterial applications.