Research Advances in Mechanical Properties and Applications of Dual Network Hydrogels

Xuanjun Ning; Jiani Huang; Yimuhan A; Ningning Yuan; Cheng Chen; Donghai Lin

doi:10.3390/ijms232415757

Research Advances in Mechanical Properties and Applications of Dual Network Hydrogels

Int J Mol Sci. 2022 Dec 12;23(24):15757. doi: 10.3390/ijms232415757.

Authors

Xuanjun Ning¹, Jiani Huang¹, Yimuhan A², Ningning Yuan³, Cheng Chen^{1

3}, Donghai Lin^{1

3}

Affiliations

¹ School of Energy and Materials, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai 201209, China.
² School of Materials and Metallurgy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK.
³ Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Advanced Thermal Functional Materials, Shanghai Polytechnic University, Shanghai 201209, China.

Abstract

Hydrogels with a three-dimensional network structure are particularly outstanding in water absorption and water retention because water exists stably in the interior, making the gel appear elastic and solid. Although traditional hydrogels have good water absorption and high water content, they have poor mechanical properties and are not strong enough to be applied in some scenarios today. The proposal of double-network hydrogels has dramatically improved the toughness and mechanical strength of hydrogels that can adapt to different environments. Based on ensuring the properties of hydrogels, they themselves will not be damaged by excessive pressure and tension. This review introduces preparation methods for double-network hydrogels and ways to improve the mechanical properties of three typical gels. In addition to improving the mechanical properties, the biocompatibility and swelling properties of hydrogels enable them to be applied in the fields of biomedicine, intelligent sensors, and ion adsorption.

Keywords: double-network; hydrogel; mechanical properties.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Adsorption
Hydrogels* / chemistry
Water* / chemistry

Substances

Hydrogels
Water

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the Program for Professor of Special Appointment (Eastern Scholar) at SIHL, the key subject of Shanghai Polytechnic University (Material Science and Engineering, XXKZD1601) and Gaoyuan Discipline of Shanghai-Materials Science and Engineering.