Tough Hydrogels: Toughening Mechanisms and Their Utilization in Stretchable Electronics and in Regenerative Medicines

Chung, Hyun‐Joong; Charaya, Hemant; Liu, Li; Li, Xinda

doi:10.1002/9783527807130.ch12

Cited by 8 publications

(3 citation statements)

References 149 publications

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“…The clay/PNIPAM NC hydrogels possessed excellent mechanical properties with tensile stress of 0.109 MPa and elongation ratio of 1,424%. The outstanding mechanical properties of the NC hydrogel is due to the synergistic effect of the multiple reversible intermolecular interactions between nanomaterials and polymer chains for mechanical energy dissipation (Haraguchi, 2007 ) and the homogeneity of the well-dispersed nanomaterials within the hydrogel network for even distribution of stress (Chung et al, 2017 ).…”

Section: Design Strategies For Tough Hydrogelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The heterogeneity will lead to uneven stress distribution and stress localization when the hydrogel experiences force loading, which accounts for the brittleness (Naficy et al, 2011 ). Besides, the conventional hydrogels lack of mechanisms which allow the mechanical energy to be dissipated through the hydrogel upon force loading, which is another reason for the brittleness (Chung et al, 2017 ). It is generally agreed that the hydrogels with tensile strength of 0.1–1 MPa and fracture energy of 10 2 -10 3 J m −2 can be considered as tough hydrogels (Chen et al, 2016 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Rational Design of Self-Healing Tough Hydrogels: A Mini Review

2018

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Hydrogels are three-dimensional cross-linked polymer networks which can absorb and retain large amount of water. As representative soft materials with tunable chemical, physical and biological properties, hydrogels with different functions have been developed and utilized in a broad range of applications, from tissue engineering to soft robotics. However, conventional hydrogels usually suffer from weak mechanical properties and they are easily deformed or damaged when they are subjected to mechanical forces. The accumulation of the damage may lead to the permanent structural change and the loss of the functional properties of the hydrogels. Therefore, it is important to develop mechanically robust hydrogels with autonomous self-healing property in order to extend their lifespan for various applications. In this mini review, we focus on the discussion about the appropriate molecular design of the hydrogel network for achieving self-healing and excellent mechanical properties, respectively as well as the corresponding self-healing and toughening mechanisms. We conclude with perspectives on the remaining challenges in the field as well as the recommendations for future development.

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Section: Design Strategies For Tough Hydrogelsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Rational Design of Self-Healing Tough Hydrogels: A Mini Review

2018

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“…Common methods to enhance the toughness of hydrogels include introducing sacrificial units to dissipate energy, such as double-network hydrogels and some single-network hydrogels [ 27 , 28 , 29 , 30 ]; increasing the crosslink density by enhancing the functionality of single crosslink points, as seen in nanocomposite hydrogels [ 31 , 32 ]; improving the uniformity of the hydrogel crosslinked network [ 33 ]; and introducing “molecular sliding mechanisms” or strong dynamic interaction systems, such as slide-ring hydrogels and some single-network hydrogels [ 34 , 35 ]. These different design strategies can also be combined to fabricate composite hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties, which have been studied and discussed in depth by researchers before [ 36 , 37 , 38 ]. Compared with previous reviews, this review comprehensively discusses the design principles and toughening mechanisms of tough hydrogels, as well as classifies them according to their characteristics.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Tough Hydrogels with Different Toughening Mechanisms and Applications

Xu,

Chen,

Cao

et al. 2024

IJMS

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Load-bearing biological tissues, such as cartilage and muscles, exhibit several crucial properties, including high elasticity, strength, and recoverability. These characteristics enable these tissues to endure significant mechanical stresses and swiftly recover after deformation, contributing to their exceptional durability and functionality. In contrast, while hydrogels are highly biocompatible and hold promise as synthetic biomaterials, their inherent network structure often limits their ability to simultaneously possess a diverse range of superior mechanical properties. As a result, the applications of hydrogels are significantly constrained. This article delves into the design mechanisms and mechanical properties of various tough hydrogels and investigates their applications in tissue engineering, flexible electronics, and other fields. The objective is to provide insights into the fabrication and application of hydrogels with combined high strength, stretchability, toughness, and fast recovery as well as their future development directions and challenges.

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Specialty Tough Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications

Fuchs

Shariati

2019

Adv Healthcare Materials

157

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Hydrogels have long been explored as attractive materials for biomedical applications given their outstanding biocompatibility, high water content, and versatile fabrication platforms into materials with different physiochemical properties and geometries. Nonetheless, conventional hydrogels suffer from weak mechanical properties, restricting their use in persistent load-bearing applications often required of materials used in medical settings. Thus, the fabrication of mechanically robust hydrogels that can prolong the lifetime of clinically suitable materials under uncompromising in vivo conditions is of great interest. This review focuses on design considerations and strategies to construct such tough hydrogels. Several promising advances in the proposed use of specialty tough hydrogels for soft actuators, drug delivery vehicles, adhesives, coatings, and in tissue engineering settings are highlighted.

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Tough Hydrogels: Toughening Mechanisms and Their Utilization in Stretchable Electronics and in Regenerative Medicines

Cited by 8 publications

References 149 publications

Rational Design of Self-Healing Tough Hydrogels: A Mini Review

Rational Design of Self-Healing Tough Hydrogels: A Mini Review

Tough Hydrogels with Different Toughening Mechanisms and Applications

Specialty Tough Hydrogels and Their Biomedical Applications

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