Connective tissue inspired elastomer-based hydrogel for artificial skin via radiation-indued penetrating polymerization.

ABSTRACT: Robust hydrogels offer a candidate for artificial skin of bionic robots, yet few hydrogels have a comprehensive performance comparable to real human skin. Here, we present a general method to convert traditional elastomers into tough hydrogels via a unique radiation-induced penetrating polymerization method. The hydrogel is composed of the original hydrophobic crosslinking network from elastomers and grafted hydrophilic chains, which act as elastic collagen fibers and water-rich substances. Therefore, it successfully combines the advantages of both elastomers and hydrogels and provides similar Young's modulus and friction coefficients to human skin, as well as better compression and puncture load capacities than double network and polyampholyte hydrogels. Additionally, responsive abilities

SUBMITTER: Tian Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10799914 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature