Improving Stiffness Strength of Double Network Hydrogels towards Synthetic Cartilage

摘要

In this work, DN hydrogels are prepared with the unique combination of ultra-high strength and excellent modulus. Comparison to other DN designs reveals that the zwitterionic PAMPS/P(NIPAAm-co-MEDSAH) DN hydrogel's remarkable properties stem from the intra- and inter-network charge-charge interactions of the two networks. Furthermore, to adjust the thermosensitivity of these hydrogels, hydrophilic AAm can be introduced to inhibit the hydrophobic interactions required for PNIPAAm to undergo deswelling. This PAMPS/P(NIPAAm-co-AAm) DN hydrogel was able to simultaneously achieve ultra-high strength (～25 Mpa), significantly high modulus (～1.2 Mpa) and low wear making it a potential synthetic alternative to cartilage autografts.