Gradient hydrogel actuator with fast response and self-recovery in air
E. Liu, Xuehuan Xia, Qiuyue Chen, Shimei Xu
Abstract
-isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel by an asymmetric mold method. The hydrogel exhibited a fast response above the LCST in air and unusual self-recovery without the need for further temperature stimuli. The actuation behavior was related to conversion from free water to bound water and water retention within the gradient matrix. The self-recovery mechanism was explored. This work provides a new insight into designing bionic hydrogels applied in a non-aqueous environment.
Topics & Concepts
Lower critical solution temperatureSelf-healing hydrogelsActuatorAqueous solutionMaterials scienceTemperature gradientSelf-healingChemical engineeringWork (physics)Composite materialPolymerPolymer chemistryChemistryComputer scienceMechanical engineeringMedicineQuantum mechanicsCopolymerEngineeringAlternative medicineArtificial intelligencePhysical chemistryPhysicsPathologyAdvanced Materials and MechanicsHydrogels: synthesis, properties, applicationsMicro and Nano Robotics