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Rapidly damping hydrogels engineered through molecular friction

Author

Listed:
  • Zhengyu Xu

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing University)

  • Jiajun Lu

    (Nanjing University)

  • Di Lu

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Yiran Li

    (Nanjing University)

  • Hai Lei

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Bin Chen

    (Zhejiang University)

  • Wenfei Li

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing University)

  • Bin Xue

    (Nanjing University)

  • Yi Cao

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing University
    Nanjing University)

  • Wei Wang

    (Nanjing University
    Nanjing University)

Abstract

Hydrogels capable of swift mechanical energy dissipation hold promise for a range of applications including impact protection, shock absorption, and enhanced damage resistance. Traditional energy absorption in such materials typically relies on viscoelastic mechanisms, involving sacrificial bond breakage, yet often suffers from prolonged recovery times. Here, we introduce a hydrogel designed for friction-based damping. This hydrogel features an internal structure that facilitates the motion of a chain walker within its network, effectively dissipating mechanical stress. The hydrogel network architecture allows for rapid restoration of its damping capacity, often within seconds, ensuring swift material recovery post-deformation. We further demonstrate that this hydrogel can significantly shield encapsulated cells from mechanical trauma under repetitive compression, owing to its proficient energy damping and rapid rebound characteristics. Therefore, this hydrogel has potential for dynamic load applications like artificial muscles and synthetic cartilage, expanding the use of hydrogel dampers in biomechanics and related areas.

Suggested Citation

  • Zhengyu Xu & Jiajun Lu & Di Lu & Yiran Li & Hai Lei & Bin Chen & Wenfei Li & Bin Xue & Yi Cao & Wei Wang, 2024. "Rapidly damping hydrogels engineered through molecular friction," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
  • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-49239-4
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49239-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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