A novel polyacrylamide nanocomposite hydrogel reinforced with natural chitosan nanofibers

▶ In situ free-radical polymerization occurs on surface of natural chitosan fibers. ▶ Grafted natural chitosan nanofibers act as a multifunctional cross-linker and reinforce polyacrylamide hydrogels. ▶ The nanocomposite hydrogels show improved compression strength, storage modulus and swelling properties.