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Cartilage-bioinspired tenacious concrete-like hydrogel verified via in-situ testing

Author

Listed:
  • Jize Liu

    (Jilin University)

  • Wei Zhao

    (Jilin University)

  • Zhichao Ma

    (Jilin University
    Jilin University
    Liaoning Academy of Materials)

  • Hongwei Zhao

    (Jilin University
    Jilin University
    Liaoning Academy of Materials)

  • Luquan Ren

    (Weihai Institute for Bionics-Jilin University)

Abstract

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)/polyethylene glycol (PEG) hydrogels, being low-cost and abundant materials, can demonstrate tremendous potential in applications requiring mechanical robustness by harnessing the enhancements afforded by a structure inspired by articular cartilage (AC). This study presents the fabrication of bioinspired PVA/PEG (BPP) hydrogel, characterized by their high mechanical strength and low friction coefficient. By utilizing a concrete-like structure composed of PVA particles and PVA/PEG fibers, the BPP hydrogel demonstrates notable properties such as high compressive strength (86%, 29.5 MPa), high tensile strength (265%, 10.5 MPa), fatigue resistance, impact resistance, and cut resistance. Moreover, under submerged conditions, it exhibits low coefficient of friction (COF) and minimal wear. The packaged hydrogel sensor demonstrates high sensitivity, high linearity, and fast response time. Ultimately, we endeavor to apply the straightforward yet competent bioinspired strategy to intelligent protective sensing equipment, showcasing extensive prospects for practical applications.

Suggested Citation

  • Jize Liu & Wei Zhao & Zhichao Ma & Hongwei Zhao & Luquan Ren, 2025. "Cartilage-bioinspired tenacious concrete-like hydrogel verified via in-situ testing," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 16(1), pages 1-13, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:16:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-025-57653-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-025-57653-5
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Shengteng Zhao & Zhichao Ma & Mingkai Song & Libo Tan & Hongwei Zhao & Luquan Ren, 2023. "Golden section criterion to achieve droplet trampoline effect on metal-based superhydrophobic surface," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Mutian Hua & Shuwang Wu & Yanfei Ma & Yusen Zhao & Zilin Chen & Imri Frenkel & Joseph Strzalka & Hua Zhou & Xinyuan Zhu & Ximin He, 2021. "Strong tough hydrogels via the synergy of freeze-casting and salting out," Nature, Nature, vol. 590(7847), pages 594-599, February.
    3. Bongjun Yeom & Trisha Sain & Naida Lacevic & Daria Bukharina & Sang-Ho Cha & Anthony M. Waas & Ellen M. Arruda & Nicholas A. Kotov, 2017. "Abiotic tooth enamel," Nature, Nature, vol. 543(7643), pages 95-98, March.
    4. Linglan Fu & Lan Li & Qingyuan Bian & Bin Xue & Jing Jin & Jiayu Li & Yi Cao & Qing Jiang & Hongbin Li, 2023. "Cartilage-like protein hydrogels engineered via entanglement," Nature, Nature, vol. 618(7966), pages 740-747, June.
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