Mechanical Property of Hydrogels Regulated by Different Ratios of Latex Particles and Hydrophobic Segments

Abstract

AbstractThe introduction of latex particles into hydrogels has been proven to be an effective strategy for enhancing the mechanical strength. For latex particles toughened hydrogels, however, the effect of crosslinking ways from latex particles and hydrophobic segments on the mechanical property has not been clearly explored. In this investigation, different ratios of latex particles and hydrophobic segments were introduced into hydrogels and the crosslinking ways included latex particles filling, hydrophobic segment aggregation induced by latex particles, simultaneous latex particles and polymeric micelles. The mechanical property was measured via stretching, loading‐unloading process, compression and rheology. Subsequently, an energy dissipation model was established and the theoretical results were proved to be consistent with the experimental tests. As a result, it was envisioned that the theoretical model could predicted mechanical predictability for a new generation of latex particles hydrogels.