Fig. 2: Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images of composites.
From: Toward tough and sustainable hydrogel-cement composites via biomineralization-inspired strategy
a Rapid in-situ polymerization of hydrogel occurs within 2 min after mixing, forming a continuous hydrogel network; meanwhile, cement particles adhere on the surface of the hydrogel network. b After 1 day of mixing, water is gradually released from the hydrogel driven by humidity difference, promoting the localized dissolution of cement particles on its surface. c After 3 days of mixing, cement hydrates precursors are observed on the surface of hydrogel network. d After 28 days of mixing, continued ion accumulation leads to the transformation of precursors into crystallized cement hydrates along the hydrogel skeleton. e, f The porous structure of composites in different scales, taken after 28 days of mixing.
