인대 구조를 모사한 고강도 하이드로겔 섬유 제조 및 이의 스트레인 센서 응용

Abstract

Poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) has long been studied for various applications such as electronic devices and drug delivery due to its high biocompatibility and non-toxicity. Aramid nanofiber (ANF) is considered attractive candidates to reinforce PVA-based materials because of their high miscibility with PVA and the stiffness of the p-aramid backbone. Numerous synthetic hydrogel fibers have been developed to mimic moisture-rich and strong fibrous tissue such as tendons, but their weak mechanical performance remains the biggest obstacle. Here we develop synthetic hydrogel fibers that are water-rich (> 80%) and ultra-strong (tensile strength 17.9 MPa, modulus 276.1 MPa) using cyano-functionalized aramid nanofiber (CY-ANF). Due to its excellent durability and flexibility, hydrogel fibers can be transformed into various shapes. In addition, this hydrogel fiber with excellent strain sensing ability will inspire the development of hydrogel-based intelligent fibers.