Solvent Exchange Strengthening Interpenetrating Dual-Network Organohydrogels with Anti-icing Durability and Friction...

Developing mechanically robust hydrogels with low ice adhesion and anti-icing durability in low-temperature environments (≤ -20 °C) remains a persistent challenge. In this study, a dual-network organohydrogel (PAD) was synthesized through a facile one-pot copolymerization of acrylamide (AM), and [2-(Methacryloyloxy)-ethyl]-trimethylammonium chloride (DML) dissolved in poly-(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) aqueous solution, followed by solvent exchange in a mixed solvent of dl-1,2-Isopropylideneglycerol-(ACM) and water (H₂O). This unique solvent exchange enhances chain entanglement within the interpenetrating dual networks and establishes robust hydrogen bonding interactions. The optimized organohydrogel exhibits a mechanical strength of 0.8 MPa and an elongation at break of 450%, significantly surpassing the mechanical properties of existing hydrogels, which demonstrate a tensile strength of 0.28 MPa and an elongation at break of 390%. Furthermore, the incorporation of DML and ACM bestows the organohydrogel with remarkable ice-phobicity, achieving an extremely low ice adhesion strength of 2.14 ± 1.2 kPa at -20 °C. This performance is attributed to the synergistic effects of a hydrated layer formed by interactions between water and the chloride ions from DML, along with the lubricating layer provided by ACM on the gel surface. Notably, the ice adhesion strength of the organohydrogels increased by less than 3 kPa after 30 cyclic surface mechanical abrasion tests, underscoring their excellent friction resistance and anti-icing durability. This study presents a novel approach for the practical application of anti-icing materials in technology.