Gels and threads: mussel-inspired one-pot route to advanced responsive materials

Chem Commun (Camb). 2014 Nov 11;50(87):13278-81. doi: 10.1039/c4cc05293e. Epub 2014 Sep 17.

Abstract

An inexpensive one-pot route to self-healing hydrogels with pH-tunable modulus is presented. Hydrogels were formed by reacting tannic acid, trivalent metal ions and polyallylamine. Below pH 8 the hydrogels were supramolecular while above, covalent cross-linking strengthened the hydrogels. From concentrated mixtures, threads were spun, acting as water sensitive mechanical locks.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adhesiveness
  • Animals
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemical synthesis*
  • Biomimetic Materials / chemistry
  • Bivalvia / chemistry*
  • Ferric Compounds / chemistry*
  • Hydrogels / chemical synthesis*
  • Hydrogels / chemistry*
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Molecular Structure
  • Polyamines / chemistry*
  • Tannins / chemistry*

Substances

  • Ferric Compounds
  • Hydrogels
  • Polyamines
  • Tannins
  • polyallylamine