Mechanical properties of a bacterial cellulose/polyethylene glycol gel with a peripheral region crosslinked by polyethylene glycol diacrylate

This study explores the relationship between the mechanical properties and composite structure of a bacterial cellulose/polyethylene glycol (BC/PEG) gel with a peripheral region that is crosslinked by polyethylene glycol diacrylate (PEGDA). The results indicated that the mechanical strength of the gels was dependent not only on the amount of crosslinked PEGDA, but also on the extent to which the composite structure extends below the surface. As retention of the fiber phase is vital to reducing the brittleness of the material, the concentration gradient of the PEGDA polymer is a critical factor.