Polydopamine-polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel coatings with enhanced mechanical and tribological performance

The development of hydrogel coatings with enhanced tribological and mechanical properties is crucial for their effective performance in biomedical applications. In this study, we focused on the development of polydopamine (PDA) incorporated polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel coatings, with a particular emphasis on the reinforcement achieved through thermal treatment. Our findings revealed that the incorporation of PDA significantly enhanced the stability and durability of the hydrogel coating, particularly in the case of PDA-PVA annealed (PPA) hydrogel coatings, which exhibited improved mechanical properties and enhanced tribological behaviors. The micro-FTIR analyses provided valuable insights, indicating that interfacial water-water interactions played a significant role in the lower friction coefficient observed in the PPA hydrogel coatings. Overall, these findings offer a promising pathway for the synergistic utilization of hydrogels and ceramics, presenting potential advancements in addressing the challenges associated with ceramic artificial joints.