Molecular dynamics simulation on mechanical properties of PVP/PVA

Objective: To study the mechanical properties of PVP/PVA composite hydrogel and its interaction principle based on the molecular dynamics (MD) theory. Methods: MD simulation was applied to investigate mechanical properties and radial distribution functions of PVP, PVA and their mixed system PVP/PVA. Results: Compared with the pure PVP, mechanical properties of PVP/PVA were significantly improved, and not affected by temperature. The interaction between PVA and PVP was expected to occur through the interchain hydrogen bonding between the oxygen atom of PVP and the hydroxyl group of PVA. Conclusions: MD method revealed the interaction mechanism of PVP/PVA hydrogel at molecular microscopic level and proved it better than pure PVP. Meanwhile, its mechanical properties were stable at different environment temperatures. These results provide a reliable theoretical research method for studying the fabrication process of hydrogel prosthesis in clinic and its mechanical properties.