Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026
09:41
Stretching Micropatterned Cells on a PDMS Membrane
Published on: January 22, 2014
15.5K
Stretchable polymeric-gel-based sponge with tunable wettability via segmented network design.
Hyebhin Yoon1,2, Ju Hyeon Kim1, Jongmin Q Kim1
1Interface Material and Chemical Engineering Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology, 141 Gajeong-ro, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 34114, Republic of Korea. inseh98@krict.re.kr.
Materials Horizons
|June 18, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a new polymeric-gel sponge with adjustable and stable surface properties. This robust, stretchable material is ideal for advanced oil/water separation and flexible electronics applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
Background:
- Conventional sponges often lack stable, tunable surface properties.
- Developing advanced materials for specific applications like separation and electronics is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel polymeric-gel-based sponge with robust stretchability and permanently tunable wettability.
- To explore its potential applications in oil/water separation and stretchable electronics.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a polymeric-gel-based sponge.
- Permanent tailoring of wettability during the material's synthesis.
- Characterization of mechanical stability, transparency, and surface properties.
Main Results:
- A transparent, mechanically stable, and highly stretchable sponge was successfully developed.
- The sponge exhibits permanently tailored wettability, a significant improvement over conventional materials.
- The material demonstrates efficacy in oil/water separation systems.
Conclusions:
- The developed polymeric-gel sponge offers a promising platform for next-generation functional materials.
- Its adaptable and stable surface properties open new avenues for advanced separation technologies and flexible electronic devices.
