Enhancing the Mechanical Properties of Injectable Nanocomposite Hydrogels by Adding Boronic Acid/Boronate Ester Dynamic Bonds at the Nanoparticle–Polymer Interface

Incorporating nanoparticles into injectable hydrogels is a well-known technique for improving the mechanical properties of these materials. However, significant differences in the mechanical properties of the polymer matrix and the nanoparticles can result in localized stress concentrations at the polymer-nanoparticle interface. This situation can lead to problems such as particle-matrix debonding, void formation, and material failure. This work introduces boronic acid/boronate ester dynamic covalent bonds (DCBs) as energy dissipation sites to mitigate stress concentrations at the polymer-nanoparticle interface. Once boronic acid groups were immobilized on the surface of SiO