Reinforcement Effects of Inorganic Nanoparticles for Double-Network Hydrogels

Abstract

This paper aims at investigating reinforcement effects and mechanisms of four kinds of nanoparticles (SiO2, hectorite, Al2O3 and TiO2) for double‐network hydrogels. Mechanical tests were conducted to determine optimal contents and advantages of those nanoparticles in improving strength or strechability. The results showed that the hydrogels with Al2O3 showed a tensile stress of 0.33 MPa, the compressive stress of 3.38 MPa and high fracture energy of 1117 J · m−2, while the hydrogels with hectorite achieved a strain ratio of 2280% and better elastic modulus of 170.2 kPa. The reinforcement mechanisms were discussed in terms of morphologies, swelling behaviors and dynamic mechanical properties. Moreover, a cell culture test was applied to prove these nanocomposite hydrogels were non‐poisonous to living cells.

Three-Dimensionally Branched Titanium Dioxide with Cheek-Brush Morphology: Synthesis and its Application to Polymer Composites

“…Although there are several researches that have been studied and shown the improvement of tensile strength in various kinds of polymer hydrogels containing TiO 2 nanoparticles with spherical shape as a filler, the optimum amount of TiO 2 nanoparticles was found to be at least 0.2wt% in the hydrogels …”

“…Among many kinds of crosslinkers, TiO 2 nanoparticles also have been used in many polymer nanocomposites including polymer hydrogels . However, Haraguchi et al.…”

Nanocomposite Hydrogels and Their Applications in Tissue Engineering

“…Later, Duan et al described the reinforcement effect of different nanoparticles on the mechanical properties and biocompatibility of alginate hydrogels . Silica (SiO 2 ), hectorite, aluminum oxide (Al 2 O 3 ), and titanium oxide (TiO 2 ) nanoparticles were separately incorporated into alginate hydrogel networks.…”

“…For example, the NC hydrogels formulated with bioactive NMs, e.g. silica and calcium phosphate‐based NMs, are non‐toxic and provide excellent biocompatibility and bioactivity in vivo and in vitro applications . These NC hydrogels display enhanced mechanical stiffness, and they are elastic due to the strong physical adsorption of flexible long chain polymers onto the large surface areas of the NMs.…”

Designing Biomimetic Microphase‐Separated Motifs to Construct Mechanically Robust Plant Protein Resin with Improved Water‐Resistant Performance

“…It has also been proved that incorporating energy dissipation mechanisms into the rigid crosslinking network can allow the adaptation and optimization of the overall mechanical performances . Currently, by virtue of the superior reinforcement effect of nanofillers, researchers have implemented sacrificial bond strategies such as the functional platform of metal–ligand, hydrogen bond motifs, and poly‐dopamine layer, into nanocomposite systems to achieve the simultaneous improvement of strength and toughness of the adhesive interface . What should be pointed out for the strategy is the key issue about the balance between the quantity of nanofillers and sacrificial bonds without making trade‐offs in the integral properties, especially for the common situation of low loading amounts in nanocomposites.…”