Tough supramolecular hydrogel based on strong hydrophobic interactions in a multiblock segmented copolymer

M. Mihajlovic, M. Staropoli, M.-S. Appavou, H.M. Wyss, W. Pyckhout-Hintzen, R.P. Sijbesma

Onderzoeksoutput: Bijdrage aan tijdschriftTijdschriftartikelAcademicpeer review

157 Citaten (Scopus)
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Samenvatting

We report the preparation and structural and mechanical characterization of a tough supramolecular hydrogel, based exclusively on hydrophobic association. The system consists of a multiblock, segmented copolymer of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydrophobic dimer fatty acid (DFA) building blocks. A series of copolymers containing 2K, 4K, and 8K PEG were prepared. Upon swelling in water, a network is formed by self-assembly of hydrophobic DFA units in micellar domains, which act as stable physical cross-link points.
The resulting hydrogels are noneroding and contain 75−92 wt % of water at swelling equilibrium. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements showed that the aggregation number of micelles ranges from 2 × 102 to 6 × 102 DFA units, increasing with PEG molecular weight. Mechanical characterization indicated that the hydrogel containing PEG 2000 is mechanically very stable and tough, possessing a tensile toughness of 4.12 MJ/m3. The high toughness, processability, and ease of preparation make these hydrogels very attractive for applications where mechanical stability and load bearing features of soft materials are required.
Originele taal-2Engels
Pagina's (van-tot)3333-3346
Aantal pagina's14
TijdschriftMacromolecules
Volume50
Nummer van het tijdschrift8
DOI's
StatusGepubliceerd - 25 apr. 2017

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