Phys.org March 29, 2024
Hyper elastic materials exhibit a nonlinear elastic response to large strains, whereas hydrogels typically possess a low elastic range due to the nonuniform cross-linking and limited chain segments among cross-links. An international team of researchers (USA, China) developed a hyperplastic hydrogel that possesses a broader elastic range by introducing a reversible pearl-necklace structure, in which beads are connected by strings. The subnanometric beads could efficiently unfold and refold under cyclic mechanical strains; thus, the hydrogel could rapidly recover after being stretched to an aerial strain of more than 10,000%. It could quickly heal from minor mechanical damages such as needle punctures and cuts. According to the researchers the hydrogel can be used for multifunctional pneumatic gripper materials… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
Photos of inflation processes of pneumatic devices… Credit: Science, 28 Mar 2024, Vol 383, Issue 6690, pp. 1455-1461