Self-healing in nanocomposite hydrogels

Abstract

Polymer hydrogels with characteristics distinct from those of solid materials are one of the most promising candidates for smart materials. Here, we report that a nanocomposite hydrogel (NC gel) consisting of a unique polymer/clay network structure, can exhibit complete self-healing through autonomic reconstruction of crosslinks across a damaged interface. Mechanical damage in NC gels can be repaired without the use of a healing agent, and even sections of NC gels separated by cutting, from whichever the same or different kinds of NC gel, perfectly (re-)combine by just contacting the cut surfaces together at mildly elevated temperatures. In NC gels, the autonomic fusion of cut surfaces as well as the self-healing could be achieved not only immediately after being cut but also after a long waiting time.