Tough and Tear-Resistant Double-Network Hydrogels Based on a Facile Strategy: Micellar Polymerization Followed by Solution Polymerization

How to prepare a hydrogel with high strength and excellent tearing fracture energy is a problem faced by researchers. Here, tough and tear-resistant double-network hydrogels (Cx-SMy gels) are successfully prepared via a facile strategy: micellar polymerization followed by solution polymerization. The strength and fracture energy of these hydrogels are up to 13 MPa and 26500 J m(-2), respectively, which are attributed to the synergy of quatra-crosslinking interactions inside the double-network. The quatra-crosslinking interactions include hydrophobic interaction, crystallization, electrostatic attraction, and hydrogen bonding. Moreover, it is confirmed that the facile strategy is a general way to prepare tough hydrogels by using electrolytic monomers and hydrophobic acrylates.