Fig. 4: Mechanical properties of hydrogels with ALIBC.

a Schematic illustration of interfacial misalignment during deformation of different hydrogels. Distinct mechanical responses of the internally crosslinked coating layer and hydrogel matrix during deformation result in interfacial fractures (top channel). In contrast, ALIBC adapts to the deformation of the hydrogel matrix without causing mismatching between coatings and hydrogels (bottom channel). b, c Typical stress‒strain curves of PAAm hydrogels with different coatings under tension (b) and compression (c). The insets correspond to magnified stress‒strain curves at small strains for clarity. d, e, Fracture strain (d) and elastic modulus (e) of PAAm hydrogels with different coatings under tension and compression. Values represent the mean and standard deviation (n = 3).