Figure 1: Schematic illustration of the fabrication of robust microstructured hydrogel–elastomer hybrids.
From: Skin-inspired hydrogel–elastomer hybrids with robust interfaces and functional microstructures
(a) The hybrids are formed by bonding tough hydrogels of interpenetrating polymer networks with elastomers. One polymer network of the hydrogel is first physically crosslinked, while infiltrated with monomer/macromonomer solution of the other polymer network. The physical crosslinking sets the shape and microstructures of the hydrogel. (b) The surface of a cured elastomer with patterned microstructures is treated with benzophenone. (c) The pre-shaped hydrogel and elastomer are assembled together followed by ultraviolet irradiation to chemically crosslink the other polymer network in the hydrogel. (d) After ultraviolet irradiation, the resultant hydrogel–elastomer hybrid forms extremely robust interfaces due to the covalently anchored polymer network in the hydrogel on elastomer surface. The pre-patterned microstructures in elastomers and hydrogels are also preserved in the hybrid. The hybrids can be highly stretched without interfacial failure.
