Fig. 2: The illustration of the DAC strategy for a mechanically programmed strong hydrogel.

a Schematic of the fabrication of mechanically programmed strong PVA hydrogel involving the DAC strategy. b SEM images of PVA hydrogels with different PI encapsulation thicknesses. c Illustration of mechanical and structural evolution of hydrogel in the programmed DAC strategy. d Illustration of the DAC process leading to the optimization of structure and crystallinity for PVA hydrogel.