Hokkaido University scientists have created a new range of hydrogel composites that can be combined in a material that is five times stronger than carbon steel. The method involves adding soft hydrophilic polymer chains to miniscule glass fibres to create a tensile and tough material. The resulting composite hydrogel is 100 times stronger than glass fibre fabric and 25 times stronger than normal hydrogels. The material is environmentally friendly, being 40% water, and could be used in artificial tendons and ligaments.
Hokkaido University scientists have created a new range of hydrogel composites that can be combined in a material that is five times stronger than carbon steel. The method involves adding soft hydrophilic polymer chains to miniscule glass fibres to create a tensile and tough material. The resulting composite hydrogel is 25 times stronger than glass fibre fabric and 100 times stronger than normal hydrogels. The material is environmentally friendly, being 40% water, and could be used in artificial tendons and ligaments.