Journal Article

FZJ-2017-03439

http://join2-wiki.gsi.de/foswiki/pub/Main/Artwork/join2_logo100x88.png Tough Supramolecular Hydrogel Based on Strong Hydrophobic Interactions in a Multiblock Segmented Copolymer

Mihajlovic, M. ; Staropoli, M.FZJ* ; Appavou, M.-S.FZJ* ; Wyss, H. M. ; Pyckhout-Hintzen, W.FZJ* ; Sijbesma, R. P. (Corresponding author)

2017
Soc. Washington, DC

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Please use a persistent id in citations: http://hdl.handle.net/2128/14348  doi:10.1021/acs.macromol.7b00319

Abstract: We report the preparation and structural and mechanical characterization of a tough supramolecular hydrogel, based exclusively on hydrophobic association. The system consists of a multiblock, segmented copolymer of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and hydrophobic dimer fatty acid (DFA) building blocks. A series of copolymers containing 2K, 4K, and 8K PEG were prepared. Upon swelling in water, a network is formed by self-assembly of hydrophobic DFA units in micellar domains, which act as stable physical cross-link points. The resulting hydrogels are noneroding and contain 75–92 wt % of water at swelling equilibrium. Small-angle neutron scattering (SANS) measurements showed that the aggregation number of micelles ranges from 2 × 102 to 6 × 102 DFA units, increasing with PEG molecular weight. Mechanical characterization indicated that the hydrogel containing PEG 2000 is mechanically very stable and tough, possessing a tensile toughness of 4.12 MJ/m3. The high toughness, processability, and ease of preparation make these hydrogels very attractive for applications where mechanical stability and load bearing features of soft materials are required.

Keyword(s): Polymers, Soft Nano Particles and Proteins (1st) ; Soft Condensed Matter (2nd)

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Contributing Institute(s):

1. Neutronenstreuung (ICS-1)
2. Neutronenstreuung (Neutronenstreuung ; JCNS-1)
3. JCNS-FRM-II (JCNS (München) ; Jülich Centre for Neutron Science JCNS (München) ; JCNS-FRM-II)

Research Program(s):

1. 551 - Functional Macromolecules and Complexes (POF3-551) (POF3-551)
2. 6G4 - Jülich Centre for Neutron Research (JCNS) (POF3-623) (POF3-623)
3. 6215 - Soft Matter, Health and Life Sciences (POF3-621) (POF3-621)

Experiment(s):

1. KWS-2: Small angle scattering diffractometer (NL3ao)

Appears in the scientific report 2017

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Database coverage:
; ; Current Contents - Physical, Chemical and Earth Sciences ; Ebsco Academic Search ; Free to read ; IF >= 5 ; JCR ; NCBI Molecular Biology Database ; Nationallizenz ; SCOPUS ; Science Citation Index ; Science Citation Index Expanded ; Thomson Reuters Master Journal List ; Web of Science Core Collection

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