High-energy shape memory polymer could someday help robots flex their muscles
When stretched or deformed, shape memory polymers return to their original shapes after heat or light is applied. These materials show great promise for soft robotics, smart biomedical devices and deployable space structures, but until now they haven’t been able to store enough energy. Now, researchers reporting in ACS Central Science have developed a shape […]
Improving strength, stretchiness and adhesion in hydrogels for wound healing: Scientists use the adhesive capabilities of mussels as a model for optimizing hydrogels’ mechanical properties
Hydrogels are everywhere. They are water-loving polymers which can absorb and retain water and can be found in such everyday consumer products such as soft contact lenses, disposable diapers, certain foods, and even in agricultural applications. They are also extremely useful in several medical applications due to their high degree of biocompatibility and their ability […]