Issue 22, 2012

Super-tough double-network hydrogels reinforced by covalently compositing with silica-nanoparticles

Abstract

We have successfully developed hydrogels with high compressive toughness by reinforcing the double-network structure (PAMPS/PAAm) with grafted silica nanoparticles. Silica nanoparticles grafted with vinyl end groups were used as macro-crosslinkers to copolymerize with AMPS, yielding a nanocomposite first network. Subsequent introduction of a secondary PAAm network resulted in super-tough double-network (DN) composite hydrogels, which do not fracture upon loading up to 73 MPa and a strain above 0.98. The compressive strength, swelling behavior, and morphology of the silica-grafted DN hydrogels were investigated as functions of nanoparticle content and particle size, in comparison with silica nanoparticle-filled DN gels without covalent bonding to the polymer network. Maximal reinforcement of the DN gels was achieved at around 1 wt% (weight percent) of grafted silica nanoparticles with respect to AMPS. Unique embedded micro-network structures were observed in the silica-grafted DN gels and accounted for the substantial improvement in compressive toughness. The fracture mechanism is discussed in detail based on the yielding behavior of these covalently composited hydrogels.

Graphical abstract: Super-tough double-network hydrogels reinforced by covalently compositing with silica-nanoparticles

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
22 Nov 2011
Accepted
22 Mar 2012
First published
27 Apr 2012

Soft Matter, 2012,8, 6048-6056

Super-tough double-network hydrogels reinforced by covalently compositing with silica-nanoparticles

Q. Wang, R. Hou, Y. Cheng and J. Fu, Soft Matter, 2012, 8, 6048 DOI: 10.1039/C2SM07233E

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