Network of cyano-p-aramid nanofibres creates ultrastiff and water-rich hydrospongels.
Nat Mater
; 23(3): 414-423, 2024 Mar.
Article
en En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-38182810
ABSTRACT
The structure-property paradox of biological tissues, in which water-rich porous structures efficiently transfer mass while remaining highly mechanically stiff, remains unsolved. Although hydrogel/sponge hybridization is the key to understanding this phenomenon, material incompatibility makes this a challenging task. Here we describe hydrogel/sponge hybrids (hydrospongels) that behave as both ultrastiff water-rich gels and reversibly squeezable sponges. The self-organizing network of cyano-p-aramid nanofibres holds approximately 5,000 times more water than its solid content. Hydrospongels, even at a water concentration exceeding 90 wt%, are hard as cartilage with an elastic modulus of 50-80 MPa, and are 10-1,000 times stiffer than typical hydrogels. They endure a compressive strain above 85% through poroelastic relaxation and hydrothermal pressure at 120 °C. This performance is produced by amphiphilic surfaces, high rigidity and an interfibrillar, interaction-driven percolating network of nanofibres. These features can inspire the development of future biofunctional materials.
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MEDLINE
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En
Revista:
Nat Mater
Asunto de la revista:
CIENCIA
/
QUIMICA
Año:
2024
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Article