3D-printing of dynamic self-healing cryogels with tuneable properties. Issue 13 (5th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Nadgorny, Milena; Collins, Joe; Xiao, Zeyun; Scales, Peter J.; Connal, Luke A.
• Is Part Of: Polymer chemistry. Volume 9:Issue 13(2018)
• Page Start: 1684
• Page End: 1692
• Publication Date: 2018-01-05
• Subjects: Polymers -- Periodicals; Macromolecules -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1039/c7py01945a
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1759-9954

Abstract

Abstract : 3D-printable self-healing oxime gels have been reinforced by cryogelation, making these gels mechanically tuneable, macroporous, and doubly dynamic. Abstract : We report a novel synthetic and processing methodology for the preparation of doubly dynamic, self-healing, 3D-printable macroporous gels. 3D-printable oxime hydrogels were prepared by cross-linking poly( n -hydroxyethyl acrylamide- co -methyl vinyl ketone) (PHEAA- co -PMVK) with a bifunctional hydroxylamine. 3D-printed oxime hydrogels were subjected to post-printing treatment by thermally induced phase separation (TIPS), which facilitated the formation of hydrogen bonding and oxime cross-links, and dramatically increased the mechanical strength of soft oxime objects in a well-controlled manner by up to ∼1900%. The mechanical properties of the cryogels were tuned by freezing conditions, which affected the microstructure of the cryogels. These doubly dynamic 3D-printed cryogels are macroporous, exhibit outstanding swelling performances, and can fully, rapidly and autonomously self-heal.