High-Performance Triple-Network Hydrogels Derived from Chrome Leather Scraps: Ultrahigh Compressive Strength,...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Biomaterials Engineering

Background:

• Engineered hydrogels are crucial for applications demanding high mechanical resilience.
• Existing hydrogels often struggle with strength, self-recovery, and adhesion under stress.
• Sustainable material sourcing is a growing area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel triple-network (TN) hydrogel with superior mechanical properties.
• To utilize chrome leather scrap hydrolysate for enhanced hydrogel performance.
• To investigate the self-recovery, adhesion, and shape memory capabilities of the TN hydrogel.

Main Methods:

• Constructed a TN hydrogel using tannic acid-modified leather hydrolysate, polyacrylamide, and poly-2-propenamide-2-methylpropanesulfonic acid.
• Characterized the hydrogel's compressive strength, deformation, and adhesion properties.
• Evaluated the self-recovery and shape memory performance at elevated temperatures.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultrahigh compressive strength (70 MPa) at 95% deformation.
• Demonstrated strong adhesion (> 20 kPa) due to phenolic hydroxyl groups.
• Exhibited excellent self-recovery (93.6% energy recovery at 70 °C) and shape memory (20 s restoration).

Conclusions:

• The synergistic effect of the three networks is key to the TN hydrogel's exceptional properties.
• The developed TN hydrogel offers a sustainable solution for high-performance materials.
• This research promotes the valorization of leather waste into advanced functional materials.