Multi-responsive and tough hydrogels based on triblock copolymer micelles as multi-functional macro-crosslinkers

Abstract

Multi-stimuli responsive hydrogels are synthesized using self-assembled nanomicelles of Pluronic F127 diacrylate triblock copolymer as non-covalent macro-crosslinkers to in situ copolymerize with acrylamide and methyl chloride quaternized N,N-dimethylamino ethylacrylate monomers, generating positively charged hydrogels. These hydrogels showed high strength, toughness, and outstanding fatigue resistance, and are reversibly responsive to changes in pH and ionic strength.