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Updated: Feb 7, 2026
07:40
Manufacturing, Control, and Performance Evaluation of a Gecko-Inspired Soft Robot
Published on: June 10, 2020
16.0K
Sheath-Inspired Durable Semi-Convertible Hydrogel Enabled Controllable Lubrication and Contractibility
Xuhao Yang1, Yanting Liu2, Ran Pang1
1State Key Laboratory of Supramolecular Structure and Materials, College of Chemistry, Jilin University, Changchun, P. R. China.
Advanced Materials (Deerfield Beach, Fla.)
|February 6, 2026
Summary
This study introduces a novel hydrogel inspired by tendon sheaths, offering continuous lubrication and high durability. This smart material achieves superlubricity and demonstrates potential for advanced soft robotics and biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Soft Robotics
Background:
- Tendon sheath lubrication is crucial for limb motion.
- Existing hydrogels lack continuous lubricant secretion for dynamic lubrication.
- Developing self-lubricating materials remains a significant challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a sheath-inspired hydrogel with continuous lubricating capability.
- To achieve photothermal-responsive dynamic lubrication and superlubricity.
- To create a durable and mechanically robust hydrogel for advanced applications.
Main Methods:
- Cooperating responsive supramolecular networks (gelatin, polydopamine) into a covalent polymer network (polyvinyl alcohol/poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)).
- Utilizing near-infrared light irradiation for photothermal-responsive disassembly of the gelatin network.
- Incorporating hydrophosphatidylcholine to achieve superlubricity.
Main Results:
- Developed a hydrogel with high mechanical strength (1.73 MPa) and reversible contracting capability.
- Achieved superlubricity (coefficient of friction of 0.007) via photothermal-responsive lubrication.
- Demonstrated excellent durability with elasticity after 15,000 compression cycles and low wear after 100,000 shearing cycles.
Conclusions:
- The developed hydrogel mimics natural tendon sheath lubrication.
- Its unique properties enable applications in smart lubrication platforms and photothermal switches.
- This work advances the field of smart responsive and interfacial lubricating materials.
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