Temperature-Triggered Tuning of Mechanical Properties for Hydrogels and Their 3d Printing
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Modulus tunable materials such as hydrogels and liquid crystal elastomers are captivating for development because they can adapt their stiffness to suit different applications. Hydrogels are especially a good candidate to be studied because they can have mechanical manipulation through various stimuli, such as temperature. In this study, hydrogels are prepared by using micelles, ionic bonding, and hydrophobic association to develop thermal-stiffening properties. Monomers with different structures allow for thermal-stiffening phenomena with controllable critical temperature and degree of stiffening. At elevated temperatures, hydrophobic association induces phase separation, causing an abrupt transition in stiffness from a rubbery to a glassy state. This unique capability makes these hydrogels attractive for the preparation of biomimetic materials and safety gear that necessitate elastic properties at room temperature, but rigid at high temperatures.