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Highly Extensible Bio‐Nanocomposite Fibers
Author(s) -
Gaharwar Akhilesh K.,
Schexnailder Patrick J.,
Dundigalla Avinash,
White James D.,
MatosPérez Cristina R.,
Cloud Joshua L.,
Seifert Soenke,
Wilker Jonathan J.,
Schmidt Gudrun
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
macromolecular rapid communications
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.348
H-Index - 154
eISSN - 1521-3927
pISSN - 1022-1336
DOI - 10.1002/marc.201000556
Subject(s) - materials science , nanocomposite , polymer , elongation , extensibility , ethylene oxide , composite material , crystallization , nanometre , self healing hydrogels , poly ethylene , polymer nanocomposite , silicate , nanoparticle , deformation (meteorology) , yield (engineering) , nanotechnology , chemical engineering , polymer chemistry , ethylene , copolymer , ultimate tensile strength , chemistry , biochemistry , catalysis , computer science , engineering , operating system
Abstract Here, we show that a poly(ethylene oxide) polymer can be physically cross‐linked with silicate nanoparticles (Laponite) to yield highly extensible, bio‐nanocomposite fibers that, upon pulling, stretch to extreme lengths and crystallize polymer chains. We find that both, nanometer structures and mechanical properties of the fibers respond to mechanical deformation by exhibiting strain‐induced crystallization and high elongation. We explore the structural characteristics using X‐ray scattering and the mechanical properties of the dried fibers made from hydrogels in order to determine feasibility for eventual biomedical use and to map out directions for further materials development.