Mechanical and Tribological Study of PVA–pMPDSAH Double-Network Hydrogel Prepared by Ultraviolet Irradiation and Freeze–Thaw Methods for Bionic Articular Cartilage

Hydrogel has been widely used in the research of bionic articular cartilage due to their similarity in structure and functional properties to natural articular cartilage. In this research, polyvinyl alcohol and betaine monomer were used as raw materials to prepare a high-strength double-network hydrogel by a combination of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and freeze–thaw methods. The structure of samples was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction, and the morphology of the samples was characterized by scanning electron microscope and three-dimensional white light interferometer. In addition, we also studied the swelling ratio, water content, mechanical properties and tribological properties of the samples. We found that the addition of betaine monomer and the UV irradiation time had a positive effect on the mechanical properties and tribological properties of the samples.