Controlling the mechanical properties of hydrogels <i>via</i> modulating the side-chain length.

Kureha, Takuma; Takahashi, Kazuma; Kino, Mion; Kida, Hikaru; Hirayama, Takuto · Soft Matter · 2023

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Even though the toughness of hydrogels is usually adjusted by changing the cross-linking density and structure, or the polymer concentration, we have discovered a new strategy to control the toughness <i>via</i> modulating the side-chain length. In this study, this strategy was applied to biocompatible poly(oligo(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) with long ethylene-oxide side chains.