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Polymer chemistry

In situ nanoscale reinforcement strengthens polymer gels

Tuning the kinetics of photo-induced crosslinking between mechanically distinct polymer phases produces strong and tough hydrogels.

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Fig. 1: Enhanced inter-phase crosslinking by persistent nitroxide radicals creates stronger and tougher gels.

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Correspondence to Derek J. Kiebala or Andreas Walther.

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Kiebala, D.J., Walther, A. In situ nanoscale reinforcement strengthens polymer gels. Nat. Synth 4, 1479–1480 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s44160-025-00917-1

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