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Novel Self‐Healing, Shape‐Memory, Tunable Double‐Layer Actuators Based on Semi‐IPN and Physical Double‐Network Hydrogels
Author(s) -
Zhang Yulin,
An Ran,
Han Linglin,
Wang Xiangdong,
Shi Lingying,
Ran Rong
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.201800505
Subject(s) - materials science , self healing hydrogels , interpenetrating polymer network , actuator , swelling , self healing , copolymer , polymer , composite material , chemical engineering , layer (electronics) , polymer chemistry , computer science , medicine , alternative medicine , pathology , artificial intelligence , engineering
In this paper, a series of physical hydrogels with semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) structures are first synthesized via micellar copolymerization. The semi‐IPN gels exhibit high strength, pH responsiveness, and self‐healing properties. Then, a series of physical double‐network (PDN) gels are further prepared by immersing the as‐prepared semi‐IPN gels in the solutions containing Ca 2+ or Fe 3+ , respectively. The strengths and moduli of these PDN hydrogels are much higher than that of the semi‐IPN gels. Accordingly, the mechanical properties and swelling ratio of PDN gels can be tuned by changing the SA content and the types of metal ions in the immersing treatment. Based on the excellent self‐healing ability of the semi‐IPN gels, the double‐layer hydrogel actuators with shape‐memory properties are successfully fabricated through a simple healing‐immersing treatment, which has great potential application prospects in actuators, artificial muscles, and soft robots.