Strong hydrogels through precisely oriented crystallization regulation
Researchers developed a method for creating crystalline hydrogels with high mechanical strength and stability, crucial for engineering applications.
A team from Dalian Polytechnic University and other institutions reported a new strategy for producing crystalline hydrogels, as detailed in Nature Communications. This method combines alkali-induced chain activation, ultra-stretching-driven orientation, and glycerol-seawater-mediated densification to enhance the mechanical properties of hydrogels.
The process begins with alkali treatment, which results in moderate initial crystallinity and refined crystallites. Following this, ultra-stretching establishes a highly oriented chain network, and the final densification step achieves maximum crystallinity and orientation. The resulting hydrogels exhibit impressive mechanical properties, including a tensile strength of 160.0 MPa, a modulus of 746.0 MPa, and a fracture energy of 26.4 kJ·m⁻². Additionally, the corresponding plastic demonstrates a tensile strength of 414.2 MPa while maintaining flexibility.
This innovative approach to crystallization engineering, inspired by thermoplastic processing, offers a scalable method for fabricating strong and stable crystalline hydrogels. Such materials are promising for applications in load-bearing and harsh underwater engineering environments.
