Recovery property of double-network hydrogel containing mussel-inspired adhesive moiety and nano-silicate.

ABSTRACT: Altough double network (DN) hydrogels are extremly tough, they are irreversibly softened during large strain deformation. We incorporated mussel-inspired adhesive moiety, catechol, and a synthetic nano-silicate, Laponite, into DN to examine the effect of strong, reversible crosslinks on the DN's ability to recover its mechanical properties during successive loading cycles. The introduction of catechol and Laponite drastically increased the compressive strength and toughness of DN without compromising the compliance of the hydrogel. After 2 hours of recovery at room temperature, the nanocomposite DN hydrogel recovered over 95 and 82 % of its strain energy and hysteresis, respectively, during successive compressive loading to a strain of 0.5. Both equilibrium swelling and oscillatory rheomet

SUBMITTER: Liu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5409110 | biostudies-literature | 2016 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature