Work

Fabrication and Characterization of Multi‐Stimuli‐Responsive Hydrogels with Robust Mechanical Properties, Good Self‐Healing, and Substrate Adhesiveness Using a Traditional Chemical Crosslinker and Initiator‐Free Approach

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Hydrogels are essential in various applications, including biomedical fields, robotics, sensors, and wearable technologies. Traditional fabrication methods often involve chemical crosslinkers and initiators, which can introduce toxicity and limit practical use. This study presents an innovative approach to creating multifunctional, multi‐stimuli‐responsive hydrogels without using these traditional components. By polymerizing AMPS, DMAA, and MAA monomers using environmentally friendly AlCl 3 ·6H 2 O as a crosslinker via UV polymerization, the study produces hydrogels exhibiting good mechanical properties such as tensile strength (3.02 ± 0.12 MPa), toughness (20.01 ± 1.8 J m −3 ), superior stretchability (2182.4 ± 114% elongation), and good compression resistance in addition to possessing self‐healing capabilities, ionic conductivity, and responsiveness to temperature, pH, and ionic strength. This innovative technique represents a significant advancement toward developing sustainable hydrogels suitable for diverse biomedical, robotic, and sensor, technology applications.

Source: Macromolecular Chemistry and Physics

DOI: 10.1002/macp.202400471

Authors: Mulenga Kalulu, Olayinka Oderinde, Christopher Mwanza, Shephrah O. Ogungbesan, Muzammal Hussain, Guodong Fu

Institutions: University of Zambia, Southeast University, Lead City University

Language: English

Topic: Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications

Subfield: Molecular Medicine

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China