Strengthening alginate/polyacrylamide hydrogels using various multivalent cations

ACS Appl Mater Interfaces. 2013 Nov 13;5(21):10418-22. doi: 10.1021/am403966x. Epub 2013 Oct 18.

Abstract

We successfully synthesized a family of alginate/polyacrylamide hydrogels using various multivalent cations. These hydrogels exhibit exceptional mechanical properties. In particular, we discovered that the hydrogels cross-linked by trivalent cations are much stronger than those cross-linked by divalent cations. We demonstrate stretchability and toughness of the hydrogels by inflating a hydrogel sheet into a large balloon, and the elasticity by using a hydrogel block as a vibration isolator in a forced vibration test. The excellent mechanical properties of these hydrogels may open up applications for hydrogels.

Publication types

  • Letter
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Acrylic Resins / chemistry*
  • Alginates / chemistry*
  • Biocompatible Materials / chemistry*
  • Cations / chemistry
  • Glucuronic Acid / chemistry
  • Hexuronic Acids / chemistry
  • Hydrogels / chemistry

Substances

  • Acrylic Resins
  • Alginates
  • Biocompatible Materials
  • Cations
  • Hexuronic Acids
  • Hydrogels
  • Glucuronic Acid
  • polyacrylamide