In Situ Cross-Linking of Poly(vinyl alcohol)/Graphene Oxide–Polyethylene Glycol Nanocomposite Hydrogels as Artificial Cartilage Replacement: Intercalation Structure, Unconfined Compressive Behavior, and Biotribological Behaviors

Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)/graphene oxide (GO) nanocomposite hydrogel as artificial cartilage replacement was prepared via freezing/thawing method by introducing polyethylene glycol (PEG). Efficient grafting of PVA molecules onto GO surface was realized by formation of hydrogen bonding, resulting in exfoliation and uniform distribution of GO in PVA matrix. By introduction of appropriate content of GO, the increased crystalline regions of PVA and...