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Mechanically robust, flexible, conductive, and anti-freezing hydrogels reinforced by cellulose of wood skeleton

  • 0College of Materials Science and Engineering, Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing, Jiangsu 210037, China; LONGi Institute of Future Technology, and School of Materials & Energy, Lanzhou University, 222 South Tianshui Road, Lanzhou, Gansu, China.
International Journal of Biological Macromolecules +

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March 16, 2025

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March 16, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study developed strong, freeze-resistant wood-based hydrogels using a natural wood skeleton. These advanced hydrogels offer excellent mechanical properties and sensing capabilities for harsh environments.

Area Of Science

  • Materials Science
  • Polymer Chemistry
  • Biomaterials Engineering

Background

  • Hydrogels possess limitations in mechanical strength, toughness, and low-temperature performance.
  • Natural materials offer sustainable reinforcement strategies for hydrogel development.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To create eco-friendly, mechanically robust, and freeze-resistant hydrogels.
  • To leverage the wood skeleton (WS) and Hofmeister effect for enhanced hydrogel properties.
  • To explore multifunctional sensing applications of the developed hydrogels.

Main Methods

  • Utilized a naturally aligned wood skeleton (WS) for reinforcement.
  • Employed the Hofmeister effect to facilitate hydrogel polymerization.
  • Incorporated wood carbon dots as initiators for fluorescence.
  • Added sodium chloride to enhance low-temperature conductivity and mechanical integrity.

Main Results

  • Achieved high tensile strength (20 MPa) and strain (35%) in longitudinal direction.
  • Demonstrated maintained conductivity (3.0 S/m) and mechanical properties at -20 °C.
  • Exhibited multifunctional sensing for strain, temperature, and UV irradiation.

Conclusions

  • The wood-based composite hydrogels show superior mechanical and low-temperature performance.
  • The developed hydrogels are suitable for human motion monitoring and healthcare in harsh conditions.
  • This approach offers a sustainable pathway for advanced functional hydrogel development.

Keywords: