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Ultra-responsive soft matter from strain-stiffening hydrogels

Author

Listed:
  • Maarten Jaspers

    (Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials)

  • Matthew Dennison

    (Department of Physics and Astronomy VU University)

  • Mathijs F. J. Mabesoone

    (Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials)

  • Frederick C. MacKintosh

    (Department of Physics and Astronomy VU University)

  • Alan E. Rowan

    (Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials)

  • Paul H. J. Kouwer

    (Radboud University Nijmegen, Institute for Molecules and Materials)

Abstract

The stiffness of hydrogels is crucial for their application. Nature’s hydrogels become stiffer as they are strained. This stiffness is not constant but increases when the gel is strained. This stiffening is used, for instance, by cells that actively strain their environment to modulate their function. When optimized, such strain-stiffening materials become extremely sensitive and very responsive to stress. Strain stiffening, however, is unexplored in synthetic gels since the structural design parameters are unknown. Here we uncover how readily tuneable parameters such as concentration, temperature and polymer length impact the stiffening behaviour. Our work also reveals the marginal point, a well-described but never observed, critical point in the gelation process. Around this point, we observe a transition from a low-viscous liquid to an elastic gel upon applying minute stresses. Our experimental work in combination with network theory yields universal design principles for future strain-stiffening materials.

Suggested Citation

  • Maarten Jaspers & Matthew Dennison & Mathijs F. J. Mabesoone & Frederick C. MacKintosh & Alan E. Rowan & Paul H. J. Kouwer, 2014. "Ultra-responsive soft matter from strain-stiffening hydrogels," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 5(1), pages 1-8, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:5:y:2014:i:1:d:10.1038_ncomms6808
    DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6808
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    Cited by:

    1. Dong Fan & Supriyo Naskar & Guillaume Maurin, 2024. "Unconventional mechanical and thermal behaviours of MOF CALF-20," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-9, December.

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