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3D Printing of Ultratough Polyion Complex Hydrogels
Fengbo Zhu, Libo Cheng1, Jun Yin1
1The State Key Laboratory of Fluid Power and Mechatronic Systems, Key Laboratory of 3D Printing Process and Equipment of Zhejiang Province, School of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University , Hangzhou 310028, China.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|November 2, 2016
Summary
Researchers developed tough polyion complex (PIC) hydrogels using 3D printing. This method enables the creation of intricate, robust structures with tunable properties for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Polyion complex (PIC) hydrogels offer high toughness and processability, making them attractive for engineered soft materials.
- Existing methods for fabricating complex PIC hydrogel structures are limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the manufacturing of complex, tough PIC hydrogel structures using 3D printing technology.
- To investigate the printability of PIC solutions and the mechanical properties of the resulting hydrogels.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a 3D printing strategy based on the ionic bonding strength in PIC hydrogels.
- Formed viscous PIC solutions in concentrated saline, extruded them into water for sol-gel transition and gelation.
- Systematically adjusted PIC formula and printing parameters (viscosity, gelation rate) for optimal printability.
- Performed uniaxial tensile tests on printed single fibers and multilayer grids.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated intricate PIC hydrogel structures with controllable strength and toughness.
- Demonstrated the creation of complex 3D architectures, including negative Poisson's ratio, gradient grids, and anisotropic materials.
- Identified viscosity and gelation rate as critical factors for successful 3D printing of PIC hydrogels.
Conclusions:
- Developed a versatile 3D printing platform for fabricating complex, tough PIC hydrogel structures.
- The methodology offers a flexible approach to material design and fabrication.
- This work broadens the application potential of PIC hydrogels in areas like biomedical devices and artificial tissues.
