Strengthening alginate/polyacrylamide hydrogels using various multivalent cations

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Abstract

We successfully synthesized a family of alginate/polyacrylamide hydrogels using various multivalent cations. These hydrogels exhibit exceptional mechanical properties. In particular, we discovered that the hydrogels cross-linked by trivalent cations are much stronger than those cross-linked by divalent cations. We demonstrate stretchability and toughness of the hydrogels by inflating a hydrogel sheet into a large balloon, and the elasticity by using a hydrogel block as a vibration isolator in a forced vibration test. The excellent mechanical properties of these hydrogels may open up applications for hydrogels.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)10418-10422
Number of pages5
JournalACS Applied Materials and Interfaces
Volume5
Issue number21
DOIs
StatePublished - 13 Nov 2013

Keywords

  • alginate/polyacrylamide hydrogel
  • strength
  • stretchability
  • toughness
  • various multivalent cations
  • vibration

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