 This study evaluated the effects of different synthesis parameters and the incorporation of natural polyphenol into hydrogel networks on the mechanical and morphological properties of physically cross-linked xanthan gum-slash-poly, vinyl alcohol, XG-slash-PVA, composite hydrogels. The results showed that the addition of polyphenol increased the toughness, compressive strength, and viscoelasticity of the XG-slash-PVA composite hydrogels compared to the neat polymer networks. Furthermore, the swelling behavior, contact angle values, and morphological features were found to be highly correlated with the uniaxial compression and rheological results. Additionally, the compressive tests revealed an increase in network rigidity when more cryogenic cycles were added. Finally, the gel behavior was confirmed for all composite hydrogels as the elastic modulus, G, was greater than the viscous modulus, G, across the entire frequency range. This article was authored by Irina Elena Rashchip, Roluca Nicoletta De Renite, Nicosir Pfeiffera, and others. We are article.tv, links in the description below.