Supramolecularly interactive terminal side chains enhance robustness of hydrogel materials

Abstract

Robust supramolecularly crosslinked hydrogels are created through a one-pot aqueous polymerization where only the terminal –OCH3 group of oligo(ethylene glycol) side chains is converted to –OH. The resulting gels display MPa-class stiffness, high rebound, and cycle-stable energy dissipation. Swelling and rheology measurements show reversible hydrogen-bond crosslinks that reinforce the structure beyond covalent crosslink densification.