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A pseudo-Double-Network Hydrogel Built upon Layered Double Hydroxides with Self-Strengthening Properties
Shu-Jing Diao1, Chang-Gen Lin1, Jie Zhang1
1State Key Laboratory of Chemical Resource Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing, 100029, P. R. China.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|December 6, 2023
Summary
This study introduces a novel self-strengthening nanocomposite hydrogel using dynamic covalent and non-covalent interactions. The material exhibits remarkable swelling, mechanical strength, and self-strengthening capabilities after training.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Mechanically robust nanocomposite hydrogels are crucial for advanced applications.
- Incorporating multiple interactions using 2D inorganic cross-linkers for self-strengthening hydrogels remains underexplored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel self-strengthening hydrogel by coupling dynamic covalent and non-covalent interactions.
- To investigate the swelling and mechanical properties of the hydrogel based on varying component concentrations.
Main Methods:
- A pseudo double-network system was constructed using Schiff Base reaction and non-covalent interactions.
- Tris-modified layered double hydroxides (Tris-LDHs) and oxidized dextran (ODex) formed the first network.
- Poly(acrylamide-co-2-acrylamido-2-methyl-propanesulfonate) (p-(AM-co-AMPS)) formed the second network via non-covalent interactions.
Main Results:
- The hydrogel exhibited significant swelling (420 times its original size) and water retention (>99.9 wt.%).
- Exceptional mechanical properties were observed, withstanding 90% compression and stretching to 30 times its original length.
- Cyclic tensile tests demonstrated self-strengthening behavior after mechanical training.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel demonstrates superior swelling and mechanical performance due to its unique energy dissipation mechanism.
- The combination of dynamic covalent and non-covalent interactions offers a promising strategy for designing advanced self-strengthening nanocomposite hydrogels.
