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Rough Adhesive Hydrogels (RAd gels) for Underwater Adhesion
Laura C Bradley1, Nathan D Bade1, Lisa M Mariani1
1Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and ‡Department of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania , Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|August 10, 2017
Summary
This study demonstrates that surface roughness enhances underwater adhesion for biocompatible hydrogels by facilitating fluid drainage. This finding is crucial for developing novel underwater adhesives with tunable properties.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Surface Chemistry
Background:
- Underwater adhesion is challenging due to the presence of a lubricating fluid layer.
- Surface roughness typically hinders adhesion in air but its role underwater is less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of surface roughness on underwater adhesion between hydrogels and various substrates.
- To explore the influence of hydrogel composition on underwater adhesive properties.
- To synthesize dual-adhesive hydrogels for versatile applications.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of biocompatible hydrogels with varying compositions and elasticities.
- Characterization of hydrogel adhesion to substrates with controlled surface roughness under aqueous conditions.
- Analysis of the role of surface topography in overcoming lubricating layers.
Main Results:
- Surface roughness significantly improves underwater adhesion by enabling lubricating fluid drainage.
- Hydrogel elasticity and chemical interactions with substrates are critical factors for adhesion.
- The study successfully synthesized dual-adhesive hydrogels.
Conclusions:
- Surface roughness is a key design parameter for enhancing underwater hydrogel adhesion.
- Tailoring hydrogel composition allows for tunable adhesive performance.
- Developed dual-adhesive hydrogels offer potential for diverse underwater applications.
