Template method for dual network self-healing hydrogel with conductive property. (15th June 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kang, Mengmeng; Liu, Shunli; Oderinde, Olayinka; Yao, Fang; Fu, Guodong; Zhang, Zhihong
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 148(2018)
• Page Start: 96
• Page End: 103
• Publication Date: 2018-06-15
• Subjects: Hydrogel -- Self-healing -- Conductivity -- Dual-network -- Ionic linkages; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2018.03.047
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: We herein present dual-network self-healing hydrogels via ionic cross-linking and hydrogel bonds based on chitosan molecular chain as a template. Chitosan and poly(acrylic acid) were reacted to form a dual-network structure via Fe 3+ ion coordination and hydrogen bonds. The healing property mainly depends on the coordination between Fe 3+ ions and COOH or NH2 groups of the polymer chains, as well as on the hydrogen bonds occurring among OH, NH2 and COOH groups. Compared with the covalent cross-linking points, the ionic linkages and hydrogen bonds in the hydrogels were stochastic and dynamic. Hence, if the hydrogel becomes cracked or possesses a notch, the cross-linking points will be destroyed, while the new ones will be re-formed based on the dual-network of the hydrogel. The self-healing efficiency of the as-prepared hydrogel could reach 98.5% when the concentration range of 0.01–0.5 M Fe 3+ aqueous solution was used. In addition, both the compression resistance and electrical conductivity of the hydrogel were enhanced with FeCl3 content increasing. Therefore, the as-prepared hydrogel exhibited excellent stretchability, compression resistance, self-healing performance without any external stimulus, and electrical conductivity. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Chitosan-based self-healing hydrogels with dual-network crosslinks (hydrogen bonds and ionic linkage) were fabricated. The self-healing efficiency and compression deformation could attain 93.8% and 98.5%, respectively. Iron ions contributed to the self-healing property, compression resistance, and conductivity of the as-prepared hydrogels.