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 […]