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Barnacle Cement Proteins‐Inspired Tough Hydrogels with Robust, Long‐Lasting, and Repeatable Underwater Adhesion
Author(s) -
Fan Hailong,
Wang Jiahui,
Gong Jian Ping
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.202009334
Subject(s) - self healing hydrogels , materials science , adhesion , barnacle , underwater , adhesive , composite material , cationic polymerization , nanotechnology , layer (electronics) , polymer chemistry , oceanography , larva , biology , geology , botany
The development of adhesives that can achieve robust and repeatable adhesion to various surfaces underwater is promising; however, this remains a major challenge primarily because the surface hydration layer weakens the interfacial molecular interactions. Herein, a strategy is proposed to develop tough hydrogels that are robust, reusable, and long‐lasting for underwater adhesion. Hydrogels from cationic and aromatic monomers with an aromatic‐rich composition inspired by the amino acid residuals in barnacle cement proteins are synthesized. The hydrogels are mechanically strong and tough (elastic modulus 0.35 MPa, fracture stress 1.0 MPa, and fracture strain 720%), owing to the interchain π–π and cation–π interactions. In water, the hydrogels firmly adhere to diverse surfaces through interfacial electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions (adhesion strength of 180 kPa), which allows for instant adhesion and reversibility (50 times). Moreover, the hydrogel shows long‐lasting adhesion in water for months (100 days). Novel adhesive hydrogels may be useful in many applications, including underwater transfer, water‐based devices, underwater repair, and underwater soft robots.