Inspired by nature, the research to develop a new load-bearing material

Phys.org  April 22, 2021
Researchers in the UK developed a method to fabricate interconnected macro-porous elastomers based on sintering poly(methyl methacrylate) beads. The porous elastomer imparted structural support and resilience to its composite with an infused-grafted hydrogel. The composite exhibited a load-bearing behavior that was 14–19 times greater than that of pristine hydrogel and approximately 3 times greater than that of the porous elastomer. The equilibrium elastic modulus of the composite was close to the values reported for the modulus of cartilage tested with similar experimental parameters defined in this study. The composite immediately recovers its load-bearing properties with the maximum load recovery staying above 95% of its initial values throughout the testing. The hydrogel also provided a lubricating layer. The scientists believe future applications of a new material based on the function of cartilage would challenge many traditional oil-lubricated engineering systems…read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE 

Graphical abstract. Credit: ACS Appl. Polym. Mater. 2021, XXXX, XXX, XXX-XXX, April 9, 202