Flexible
and strain-sensing smart materials have received
significant
attention from researchers due to their potential use in human motion
detection, soft robotics, epidermis sensors, energy storage devices,
etc. However, low mechanical strength, low range sensitivity, high
time response, and low antifatigue resistance have hampered the application
of previously fabricated materials. Herein, a malonic acid (MA)-reinforced
hydrogel was prepared through one-pot-free radical polymerization,
in which MA makes a bridge by connecting hydrophobically associated
polyacrylamide (PAmm) and polydodecyl methacrylate (PDDMA) through
physical cross-linking. Ethyl-hexadecyl dimethylammonium bromide (EHDDAB),
a cationic surfactant, is used to ensure the formation of micelles.
The micelles and polymer chains are bridged via interactions of electrostatic
charge enhanced by the dicarboxylic groups present on MA molecules.
Notable mechanical strength was observed for MA4 with a 2102% strain,
a 2.36 MPa stress, and excellent cyclic stability. At 500% strain,
the hydrogel suggests a significant sensitivity to tensile strain,
as indicated by its gauge factor of 6.9 and with a fast response recovery
time. Meanwhile, the ionic conductivity after the addition of LiCl
was calculated as 0.20 S/m. Furthermore, practical applications were
observed through the detection of different human motions like finger
bending, wrist movement, and elbow and knee movements. Similarly,
a small physiological larynx vibration was detected by speaking, coughing,
and drinking water. The hydrogel as an electronic pen showed responses
to multiple languages in both speaking and writing. The MA-regulated
hydrogels show the possibility of use as flexible materials for many
different applications, including flexible touch screens, biomedical
monitoring, and soft robotic devices.