Journal Article

A review on tough and sticky hydrogels

Schmidt, Gudrun, Peak, Charles W., Wilker, Jonathan J.

2013

Overview

In this review, we survey recent literature (2009–2013) on hydrogels that are mechanically tough and adhesive. The impact of published work and trends in the field are examined. We focus on design concepts, new materials, structures related to mechanical performance and adhesion properties. Besides hydrogels made of individual polymers, concepts developed to toughen hydrogels include interpenetrating and double networks, slide ring polymer gels, topological hydrogels, ionically cross-linked copolymer gels, nanocomposite polymer hydrogels, self-assembled microcomposite hydrogels, and combinations thereof. Hydrogels that are adhesive in addition to tough are also discussed. Adhesive properties, especially wet adhesion of hydrogels, are rare but needed for a variety of general technologies. Some of the most promising industrial applications are found in the areas of sensor and actuator technology, microfluidics, drug delivery and biomedical devices. The most recent accomplishments and creative approaches to making tough and sticky hydrogels are highlighted. This review concludes with perspectives for future directions, challenges and opportunities in a continuously changing world.

• Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg,Springer,Springer Nature B.V
• Subject: Adhesion / Adhesives / Applied sciences / Characterization and Evaluation of Materials / Chemistry / Chemistry and Materials Science / Complex Fluids and Microfluidics / Devices / Drug delivery systems / Exact sciences and technology / Food Science / Hydrogels / Invited Review / Medical devices / Microfluidics / Nanostructure / Nanotechnology and Microengineering / Organic polymers / Physical Chemistry / Physicochemistry of polymers / Polymer Sciences / Properties and characterization / Soft and Granular Matter / Solution and gel properties