Reaction–Diffusion Process for Hydrogels with a Tailored Layer Structure

The architecture of hydrogel composites results in not only synergistic property enhancement but also superior functionality. reaction–diffusion (RD) process is acommon phenomenon throughout nature which induced ordered structure on a length scale from microscopic to macroscopic. Different commonly used inorganic salts or oppositely charged nanoparticles for the RD process, modified was layered chitosan (L-CH) and magnetic (L-MCH). During reported this paper, protonated (CS-NH3+) with iron ions (Fe3+ Fe2+) as an inner-reactant hydroxide ion (-OH−) out-reactant. played role reaction medium controlled diffusion behavior out-reactant (-OH−). A series layers were constructed parallel longitudinal axis. layer width L-CH L-MCH can be tailored by varying interval time T. mean increased 50 ± 5.8 μm 90 6.4 when T 2 min 5 min. obeyed law spacing law, declared that via process. We show endows enhanced mechanical properties, especially toughness. yield strength improved significantly (from 95.1 7.6 kPa 401.7 12.1 kPa, about 4 times) 10 wt. % magnetite involved. propertieswas due physical crosslinking effect chitosan. For L-MCH, probe displacement reached 28.93 2.6 mm rupture occurred, high 284.7% compared non-layered hydrogel. tailor-made hydrogels might possible application tough implantable scaffold.