Leveraging the Mechanics of Double Network Hydrogels as Soft, Strong Materials

利用双网络水凝胶的力学作为柔软、坚固的材料

• 批准号: 2642714
• 金额: --
• 依托单位: Durham University
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Studentship
• 财政年份: 2021
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2021 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 未结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=studentship-2642714
• 关键词: Leveraging; Mechanics; Double; Network; Hydrogels

In nature materials often exhibit incredible mechanical properties that are not reproducible in synthetic materials. Much of these properties arise from the fact that almost all structured biomaterials are composite in nature. In humans, for example, tendons are composed of two polymers: collagen, which is effective at absorbing and dissipating energy but largely inextensible, and elastin, which is extensible but poor at dissipating energy. In this project we will seek to design and mechanically test soft multi-component materials that can match, and potentially exceed, the capabilities of synthetic rubbers. To address this problem, we will leverage a technology known as double network hydrogels. Here, two co-entangled polymer networks are co-assembled in water. The individual material properties of each polymer diametrically opposed and synergistically support each other. While hydrogels are typically considered weak materials, this mechanical synergy enables them to be remarkably strong. In this project - supported by Reckitt - we are seeking to synthesise hydrogel composites and optimise their material properties to meet the requirements of different products within their portfolio of brands for health, hygiene, and nutrition applications. Through design, synthesis, and testing, we will investigate how controlling the microstructure and assembly conditions of double networks can be conceived as a route to creating strong biodegradable alternatives to soft, synthetic materials.

在自然界中，材料通常表现出令人难以置信的机械性能，这些性能在合成材料中是不可复制的。这些性质中的大部分产生于几乎所有结构化生物材料本质上是复合材料的事实。例如，在人类中，肌腱由两种聚合物组成：胶原蛋白，它能有效地吸收和耗散能量，但在很大程度上不能伸展;弹性蛋白，它是可伸展的，但在耗散能量方面很差。在这个项目中，我们将寻求设计和机械测试软多组分材料，可以匹配，并可能超过，合成橡胶的能力。为了解决这个问题，我们将利用一种称为双网络水凝胶的技术。在这里，两个共缠结的聚合物网络在水中共同组装。每种聚合物的单独材料特性完全相反，并且相互协同支持。虽然水凝胶通常被认为是弱材料，但这种机械协同作用使它们非常坚固。在利洁时支持的这个项目中，我们正在寻求合成水凝胶复合材料并优化其材料性能，以满足其品牌组合中不同产品的健康，卫生和营养应用的要求。通过设计，合成和测试，我们将研究如何控制双网络的微观结构和组装条件，作为一种创造柔软的可生物降解替代品的途径，合成材料。