Conductive and anti-freezing hydrogels constructed by pseudo-slide-ring networks

Stretchable, tough, and anti-freezing hydrogels were prepared using partially carboxymethylated polyrotaxanes and polyacrylamides. The carboxylic acid groups of alpha-cyclodextrins in the polyrotaxane and the amide groups in polyacrylamide are hydrogen-bonded, affording a pseudo-slide-ring network, greatly enhancing the hydrogels' macroscale mechanical properties, anti-freezing features, and electrical conductivity for the fabrication of a cold-temperature strain sensor.

Automated summary

By utilizing hydrogen bonding between the carboxylic acid groups of alpha-cyclodextrins in partially carboxymethylated polyrotaxanes and the amide groups in polyacrylamides, a pseudo-slide-ring network is formed, greatly enhancing the hydrogels' macroscale mechanical properties, anti-freezing features, and electrical conductivity.