Amorphous biomineral-reinforced hydrogels with dramatically enhanced toughness for strain sensing

Jia-hua Liu, Zhengyi Mao, Yuhan Chen, Yunchen Long, Haikun Wu, Junda Shen, Rong Zhang, Oscar W.H. Yeung, Binbin Zhou, Chunyi Zhi, Jian Lu*, Yang Yang Li*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

21 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Ionic conductive hydrogels are promising candidates for flexible wearable strain sensors and artificial skin. However, achieving high mechanical and sensing performance concurrently remains challenging. Herein, a novel biomineral-reinforced hydrogel composed of polyacrylamide (PAM) and highly stable amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) is reported. Benefiting from the dual ionic doping strategy (Mg2+ and PO43−), ACC nanoparticles in hybrid hydrogels show a super stable amorphous nature. The resulting mineral hydrogel displays a high stretchability (>1150% strain), a dramatically enhanced fracture toughness (9.57±1.28 vs. 0.91±0.12 kJ m−2), and a desirable linear strain sensitivity. Moreover, the novel mineral hydrogel exhibits high biocompatibility and flame retardance, making it an appealing candidate for wearable device applications. © 2023 Elsevier B.V.
Original languageEnglish
Article number143735
JournalChemical Engineering Journal
Volume468
Online published25 May 2023
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 15 Jul 2023

Research Keywords

  • Amorphous calcium carbonate
  • Mechanical performance
  • Mineral hydrogels
  • Strain sensors

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