Reswellable conducting hydrogels for effective storage and traditional conversion into patches

Important results from the project

Beneli AB is producing patches for heart monitoring. Beneli wished to exchange the material of the hydrogel to get a material that was easier to die cut and had lower a cost. The goal: 1.Can transport signals between skin and patch, base of cellulose. 2.Easy to manufacture, low risk of water evaporation. 3.Reduces the problems with stickiness within the machine but adhere to the patch during assembling. 4.Possible to transport with low-cost transportations. The project has fulfilled all goals.

Expected long term effects

The result of the project is two different types of gels that both fulfils the goals for the project, transport signals between skin and patch. Hydrogel of nano-cellulose Nanopaper that has been treated with TA and PEO. Can be die cut and reswelled in a glycerol-ionic bath. The result is an interesting solution for future optimisation. 3D-printed gel Modified cellulose mixed with conductive materials. The gel has low impedance and low noise, makes it a promising material for potential customers.

Approach and implementation

The project was performed as SME-project linked to the DCC Competence center. The project group consisted of Beneli AB as well as people from Ri.SE and KTH and that had meeting though Teams twice a month. This was a good approach because a lot of different tests were made, and all the experts were gathered on a regularly to decide how to move forward. First, the material composition was developed and then the manufacturing process of the material and gel. The gel was surface treated with TA to be sticky. A 3D-printed gel, no swelling needed, was evaluated and it showed good properties.