One-step 3D printing of flexible poly(acrylamide-co-acrylic acid) hydrogels for enhanced mechanical and electrical performance in wearable strain sensors
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: This study explored the synthesis and 3D printing of an electrolytic hydrogel based on polyacrylamide and acrylic acid copolymer (poly(AM- co -AA)), using lithium phenyl-2,4,6-trimethylbenzoylphosphinate (LAP) as a photoinitiator, along with N , N ′-Methylene bisacrylamide (MBA) and sodium alginate (SA) for crosslinking. The hydrogel matrix, incorporated with electrolyte fillers, including sodium chloride (NaCl), calcium chloride dihydrate (CaCl 2 ·2H 2 O), and aluminum trichloride hexahydrate (AlCl 3 ·6H 2 O), was fabricated via a one-step approach and printed with an LCD-3D printer, yielding a porous structure with remarkable water absorption capacity and tailored mechanical properties. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis of the NaCl electrolyte poly(AM- co -AA) hydrogel revealed a highly porous surface structure, contributing to a remarkable water absorption capacity exceeding 800%. The mechanical and electrical properties of this 3D-printed hydrogel were found to be intermediate between those of MBA crosslinked poly(AM- co -AA) and MBA crosslinked poly(AM- co -AA) with SA. This hydrogel exhibited efficient conductivity and flexibility, making it well-suited for potential use in strain sensors and wearable devices, enabling real-time monitoring of human activities, such as finger bending.
Source: Scientific Reports
Language: English
Subfield: Biomedical Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $2,690
OpenAlex ID: W4409219329