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Synthesis of a Double‐Network Supramolecular Hydrogel by Having One Network Catalyse the Formation of the Second
Author(s) -
Singh Nishant,
Maity Chandan,
Zhang Kai,
AnguloPachón César A.,
van Esch Jan H.,
Eelkema Rienk,
Escuder Beatriu
Publication year - 2017
Publication title -
chemistry – a european journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.687
H-Index - 242
eISSN - 1521-3765
pISSN - 0947-6539
DOI - 10.1002/chem.201605771
Subject(s) - supramolecular chemistry , catalysis , biomolecule , network structure , modulus , materials science , self healing hydrogels , nanotechnology , dynamic mechanical analysis , chemical engineering , computer science , molecule , chemistry , polymer chemistry , distributed computing , polymer , organic chemistry , composite material , engineering
Self‐assembly of biomolecules catalytically controls the formation of natural supramolecular structures, giving highly ordered complex materials. Such desirable hybrid systems are very difficult to design and construct synthetically. A hybrid double‐network hydrogel with a maximum storage modulus ( G ′ max ) of up to 55 kPa can be synthesized by using a self‐assembled hydrogel that catalyses the formation of another kinetically arrested hydrogel network. Tuning of the catalytic efficiency of the first network allowed spatiotemporal control over the evolution of the second network and the resulting mechanical properties. The distribution of active catalytic sites was optimal for catalytic fibres prepared at the minimum gelation concentration (MGC) to give the double‐network hydrogel with highest storage modulus. This approach could be very useful in preparing complex hierarchical structures with tailor‐made properties.