Phytic acid-assist for self-healing nanocomposite hydrogels with surface functionalization of cellulose nanocrystals via SI-AGET ATRP

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) have been widely used in the surface modification and construction of nanocomposites due to their excellent surface activity and high tensile strength. In this manuscript, nanocomposite hydrogels were prepared by implanting poly(glycidyl methacrylate)-modified CNCs (CNCs@PGMA) and biomass phytic acid (PA). After extracting CNCs from microcrystalline cellulose, PGMA was successfully grafted on the surface of CNCs by surface-initiated Activator Generated by Electron Transfer Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (SI-AGET ATRP). With the assistance of PA, the reversible hydrogen bonding interaction between the internal structures of the matrix was promoted to construct the CNCs@PGMA/PA self-healing nanocomposite hydrogels. The obtained hydrogels by using CNCs@PGMA and PA as additives have excellent mechanical properties (tensile strength of 1.39 MPa) and self-healing ability (91.4% after 6 h). This study develops a facile method for the preparation of nanocomposite hydrogels with excellent self-healing properties. Graphical abstract