Novel Self‐Healing, Shape‐Memory, Tunable Double‐Layer Actuators Based on Semi‐IPN and Physical Double‐Network Hydrogels. Issue 12 (10th October 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, Yulin; An, Ran; Han, Linglin; Wang, Xiangdong; Shi, Lingying; Ran, Rong
• Is Part Of: Macromolecular materials and engineering. Volume 303:Issue 12(2018)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2018-10-10
• Subjects: hydrophobic association -- metal ions -- pH response -- self‐healing -- shape memory; Plastics -- Periodicals; Polymers -- Periodicals; Polymerization -- Periodicals; 547.705
• DOI: 10.1002/mame.201800505
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1438-7492

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, a series of physical hydrogels with semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structures are first synthesized via micellar copolymerization. The semi‐IPN gels exhibit high strength, pH responsiveness, and self‐healing properties. Then, a series of physical double‐network (PDN) gels are further prepared by immersing the as‐prepared semi‐IPN gels in the solutions containing Ca 2+ or Fe 3+, respectively. The strengths and moduli of these PDN hydrogels are much higher than that of the semi‐IPN gels. Accordingly, the mechanical properties and swelling ratio of PDN gels can be tuned by changing the SA content and the types of metal ions in the immersing treatment. Based on the excellent self‐healing ability of the semi‐IPN gels, the double‐layer hydrogel actuators with shape‐memory properties are successfully fabricated through a simple healing‐immersing treatment, which has great potential application prospects in actuators, artificial muscles, and soft robots. Abstract : From single network to physical double network, the properties of the hydrogels change dramatically with the change of the network structure, which shows super‐high strength and remolding ability based on the self‐healing properties, and the multilayer hydrogel actuators with shape‐memory ability are obtained through self‐healing between the interfaces of the hydrogels.