Preparation of a nanocellulose gelatin-based ion-conducting hydrogel for flexible strain sensors

Abstract

In this study, to improve the anti-freezing performance without affecting the tensile properties and conductive properties, a free radical graft polymerization method is used. N,N-methylene acrylamide (MBA) was used as a cross-linking agent, and Irgacure 2959 was used as an initiator to graft acrylamide (AM) onto the gelatin skeleton to construct a gelatin/polyacrylamide/nanocellulose fibril/glycerol/aluminum chloride hydrogel (GACGA). The comprehensive performance of the hydrogel was evaluated. The GACGA hydrogel still maintained a high conductivity at −30 °C, and it still had a good morphology without significant loss of quality after dehydration at room temperature for 7 days. The GACGA hydrogel has excellent stretchability, conductivity, sensitivity, and anti-freeze properties, making it ideal for smart wearable devices and soft robots.