Toward synergistic reinforced graphene nanoplatelets composite hydrogels with self-healing and multi-stimuli responses

Although many effects to design smart self-healing sustainable hydrogels with sensitivity to multi-environmental stimuli have been documented, a facile fabrication of stimuli-responsive hydrogels with improved mechanical properties remains challenging. Here, smart self-healing sustainable hydrogels containing soy protein polymer (SPP) and/or graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) were fabricated using slime chemistry. The composites hydrogels exhibited impressive self-healing behavior and high ductility under mechanical stimuli, pH-modulation, and thermo sensitivity. An unexpected synergistic reinforcing effect was achieved via combination of SPP and GNP (ternary composite); while the usage of mere SPP and GNP (binary composite) even weakened the gel modulus. Surprisingly improved resistance to gel flowability caused by external heat stimuli was also achieved in the same system. The reinforcing mechanism was attributed to the interactions between SPP and GNP to restore the crosslinking structures. This character also offered merits to the higher viscosity of ternary composite system and thereby resulted in improved heat resistance.

Automated summary

Smart self-healing sustainable hydrogels containing soy protein polymer and/or graphene nanoplatelets were fabricated using slime chemistry, exhibiting impressive self-healing behavior and high ductility under mechanical stimuli, pH modulation, and thermo sensitivity. The synergy between SPP and GNP contributed to improved mechanical properties and heat resistance, with an unexpected reinforcing effect and enhanced resistance to gel flowability.