Abstract
ABSTRACTTough polymer hydrogels have great potential applications in soft actuators, artificial muscles, tissue engineering, and so forth. To improve the strength and toughness of hydrogels, numerous strategies have been developed to integrate efficient energy dissipation mechanisms into the hydrophilic networks. Among them, the use of macro‐crosslinkers to replace conventional chemical ones has become promising to develop tough hydrogels. Polymer colloids—including nano‐/microparticles, nano‐/microgels, hydrophobic associates, and block copolymer assemblies—have been employed in literature as multi‐functional macro‐crosslinkers that link polymer chains through covalent bonds or noncovalent interactions. The dislocation, deformation, desociation, and rupture of polymer colloids upon loadings are the major mechanisms to dissipate energy. This article provides a comprehensive account of most recent progresses on tough hydrogels crosslinked by polymer colloids, and explores the toughening mechanisms. It aims to inspire novel designs of tough hydrogels with multi‐functionalities. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1336–1350
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
