The functional versatility and endurable self-healing capacity of soft materials in nature is found to originate from the dynamic supramolecular scaffolds assembled via reversible interactions. To mimic this strategy, extensive efforts have been made to design polymer networks with transient crosslinks, which lays the foundation for synthetic self-healing hydrogels. Towards the development of stronger and faster self-healing hydrogels, understanding and controlling the gel network dynamics is of critical importance, since it provides design principles for key properties such as dynamic mechanics and self-healing performance. For this purpose, a universal strategy independent of exact crosslinking chemistry would be regulating the polymer material's dynamic behavior by optimal network design, yet current understanding of the relationship between network structure and macroscopic dynamic mechanics is still limited, and implementation of complex network structure has always been challenging. In this thesis, we show how the dynamic mechanical properties in a hydrogel can be controlled by rational design of polymer network structures. Using mussel-inspired reversible catechol coordination chemistry, we developed a nanocomposite hydrogel network (NP gel) with hierarchical assembly of polymer chains on iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles as network crosslinks. With NP gel as a model system, we first investigated its unique dynamic mechanics in comparison with traditional permanent and dynamic gels, and discovered a general approach to manipulate the network dynamics by controlling the crosslink structural functionality. Then we further explored the underlying relationship between polymer network structure and two key parameters in relaxation mechanics, which elucidated universal approaches for designing relaxation patterns in supramolecular transient gel network. Finally, by utilizing these design principles, we designed a hybrid gel network using two crosslinking structures with distinct relaxation timescales. By simply adjusting the ratio of two crosslinks, we can precisely tune the material's dynamic mechanics from a viscoelastic fluid to a rigid solid. Such controllability in dynamic mechanics enabled performance optimization towards mechanically rigid and fast self-healing hydrogel materials.

This volume covers experimental and theoretical advances on the relationship between composition, structure and macroscopic mechanical properties of novel hydrogels containing dynamic bonds. The chapters of this volume focus on the control of the mechanical properties of several recently discovered gels with the design of monomer composition, chain architecture, type of crosslinking or internal structure. The gels discussed in the different chapters have in common the capability to dissipate energy upon deformation, a desired property for mechanical toughness, while retaining the ability to recover the properties of the virgin material over time or to self-heal when put back in contact after fracture. Some chapters focus on the synthesis and structural aspects while others focus on properties or modelling at the continuum or mesoscopic scale. The volume will be of interest to chemists and material scientists by providing guidelines and general structure-property considerations to synthesize and develop innovative gels tuned for applications. In addition it will provide physicists with a better understanding of the role of weak interactions between molecules and physical crosslinking on macroscopic dissipative properties and self-healing or self-recovering properties.

Self-healing is a well-known phenomenon in nature: a broken bone merges after some time and if skin is damaged, the wound will stop bleeding and heals again. This concept can be mimicked in order to create polymeric materials with the ability to regenerate after they have suffered degradation or wear. Already realized applications are used in aerospace engineering, and current research in this fascinating field shows how different self-healing mechanisms proven successful by nature can be adapted to produce even more versatile materials. The book combines the knowledge of an international panel of experts in the field and provides the reader with chemical and physical concepts for self-healing polymers, including aspects of biomimetic processes of healing in nature. It shows how to design self-healing polymers and explains the dynamics in these systems. Different self-healing concepts such as encapsulated systems and supramolecular systems are detailed. Chapters on analysis and friction detection in self-healing polymers and on applications round off the book.

This book introduces the reader to important aspects of the nano-hydrogels. It covers the development of hydrogels and their biology, chemistry and properties. Focus is also given to innovative characterization techniques and advances in structural design, with special emphasis on molecular structure, dynamic behavior and structural modifications of hydrogels. This book serves as a consolidated reference work for the diverse aspects of hydrogels, creating a valuable resource for students and researchers in academia and industry.

This eBook is a collection of articles from a Frontiers Research Topic. Frontiers Research Topics are very popular trademarks of the Frontiers Journals Series: they are collections of at least ten articles, all centered on a particular subject. With their unique mix of varied contributions from Original Research to Review Articles, Frontiers Research Topics unify the most influential researchers, the latest key findings and historical advances in a hot research area! Find out more on how to host your own Frontiers Research Topic or contribute to one as an author by contacting the Frontiers Editorial Office: frontiersin.org/about/contact.

Self-Healing Composite Materials: From Designs to Applications provides a unique resource on self-healing composites for materials scientists and engineers in academia, as well as researchers involved in the aerospace, automotive, wind-generation, construction, consumer goods and marine industries. There is a huge demand for self-healing composites that respond to their environment like living matter. Unlike other composites, self-healing composites are combined with carbon materials and resins to form a recoverable composite material. This book covers the manufacturing, design and characterization of self-healing composites, including their morphological, structural, mechanical, thermal and electrical properties. The title begins with mathematical background and then considers innovative approaches to physical modeling, analysis and design techniques, providing a robust knowledge of modern self-healing composites with commercial applications. - Covers composite fabrication from polymer, nano oxides, epoxy and plastics - Gives detailed examples on how self-healing composites may be used - Provides readers with a robust knowledge of self-healing composites - Presents a unified approach to these human-friendly, commercially valuable materials

How Can Polymers Constructed From Living Organisms Help Eliminate the Disposal Issue? A unique category of materials called biodegradable polymers could help remedy a growing environmental concern. Biodegradable Polymeric Nanocomposites: Advances in Biomedical Applications considers the potential of biodegradable polymers for use in biomedical appl

Polymer Nanocomposite Materials Discover an authoritative overview of zero-, one-, and two-dimensional polymer nanomaterials Polymer Nanocomposite Materials: Applications in Integrated Electronic Devices delivers an original and insightful treatment of polymer nanocomposite applications in energy, information, and biotechnology. The book systematically reviews the preparation and characterization of polymer nanocomposites from zero-, one-, and two-dimensional nanomaterials. The two distinguished editors have selected resources that thoroughly explore the applications of polymer nanocomposites in energy, information, and biotechnology devices like sensors, solar cells, data storage devices, and artificial synapses. Academic researchers and professional developers alike will enjoy one of the first books on the subject of this environmentally friendly and versatile new technology. Polymer Nanocomposite Materials discusses challenges associated with the devices and materials, possible strategies for future directions of the technology, and the possible commercial applications of electronic devices built on these materials. Readers will also benefit from the inclusion of: A thorough introduction to the fabrication of conductive polymer composites and their applications in sensors An exploration of biodegradable polymer nanocomposites for electronics and polymer nanocomposites for photodetectors Practical discussions of polymer nanocomposites for pressure sensors and the application of polymer nanocomposites in energy storage devices An examination of functional polymer nanocomposites for triboelectric nanogenerators and resistive switching memory Perfect for materials scientists and polymer chemists, Polymer Nanocomposite Materials: Applications in Integrated Electronic Devices will also earn a place in the libraries of sensor developers, electrical engineers, and other professionals working in the sensor industry seeking an authoritative one-stop reference for nanocomposite applications.