Temperature-dependent transmittance nanocomposite hydrogel with high mechanical strength and controllable swelling memory behavior

Abstract

In this work, physical cross-linking hydrogel with high mechanical strength, excellent transmittance, and controllable swelling performance has been successfully fabricated through in situ polymerization method. The obtained samples could dissipate a large amount energy in one cyclic tensile test through the crack of hydrogen bond formed between the carbonyl groups of polymer chains and hydroxyl group anchoring on the surface of clay platelets. The controllable swelling behaviors endowed the MD-NC gel with swelling induced shape recovery ability, and the potential directional swelling performance of the gels could propose a promising prospect in many actual applications, such as biomaterials, padding matters, and tissue engineering.