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Tough, Strong Hydrogels with Elastomeric Fiber Reinforcement.

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 March 2012

Paul Calvert ,
Animesh Agrawal ,
Nima Rahbar  and
Vijay Chalivendra
Paul Calvert
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Animesh Agrawal
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Nima Rahbar
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA 02747
Vijay Chalivendra
Affiliation:
University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, North Dartmouth, MA 02747
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Abstract

In biological hydrogels, the gel matrix is usually reinforced with micro- or nano-fibers and the resulting composite is tough and strong. In contrast, synthetic hydrogels are weak and brittle, although they are highly elastic. Other than in food, the main structural application of hydrogels is as soft contact lenses. The developing interest in soft tissue engineering has exposed a need for strong synthetic hydrogels to act as scaffolds for tissue growth.

In this work a new class of hydrogels based on fiber reinforced hydrogel composites with a cartilage-like structure is designed. A 3D rapid prototyping technique was used to form crossed “logpiles” of elastic fibers that are then impregnated with an epoxy-based hydrogel in order to form a fiber-reinforced gel structure. The fibrous construct improves the strength, modulus and toughness of the hydrogel and also constrains the swelling. By altering the construct geometry and studying the effect on mechanical properties we will develop the understanding needed to design strong hydrogels for biomedical devices and soft machines.

Keywords

fracturepolymerpolymerization
Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 1420: Symposium OO – Multiscale Mechanics of Hierarchical Materials , 2012 , mrsf11-1420-oo05-05
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 2012

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References

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