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June 12, 2026Nature CommunicationsOpen Access

Mechanically adaptive crack-resistant hydrogels based on strain-induced macroscopic phase separation and hierarchical energy dissipation

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Authors

XKXiangren KongZWZhongwei WangBGBo Gong

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Overview

Randomized trial shows improved crack resistance in hydrogels, suggesting a new approach for soft materials under strain.

Key Points

  • The research aims to develop a hydrogel that combines high stiffness, extensibility, and crack resistance.
  • Constructed from a strong polycation and a weak polyanion at an asymmetric molar ratio.
  • Utilized in situ X-ray scattering measurements and molecular dynamics simulations to analyze structural transitions.
  • Measured mechanical properties including modulus, tensile strength, and fracture toughness.
  • The hydrogel exhibits a high modulus of ~30 MPa and tensile strength of ~15 MPa.
  • Achieves an exceptional fracture toughness of around 100 kJ m−2.
  • Demonstrates autonomously suppressed crack growth under applied load.

Cite This Study

Kong et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6a2ba2c18101cf8926f01ae2https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-74084-y
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