Wenyu Zhao,Zhuofan Lin,Xiaopu Wang,Ziya Wang,Zhenglong Sun
Hydrogels are stretchable ion conductors that can be used as strain sensors by transmitting strain-dependent electrical signals. However, hydrogels are susceptible to dehydration in the air, leading to a loss of flexibility and functions. Here, a simple and general strategy for encapsulating hydrogel with hydrophobic elastomer is proposed to realize excellent water-retention capacity. Elastomers, such as polydimethylsiloxanes (PDMS), whose hydrophobicity and dense crosslinking network can act as a barrier against water evaporation (lost 4.6 wt.% ± 0.57 in 24 h, 28 °C, and ≈30% humidity). To achieve strong adhesion between the hydrogel and elastomer, a porous structured thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) is used at the hydrogel-elastomer interface to interlock the hydrogel and bond the elastomer simultaneously (the maximum interfacial toughness is over 1200 J/m2). In addition, a PDMS encapsulated ionic hydrogel strain sensor is proposed, demonstrating an excellent water-retention ability, superior mechanical performance, highly linear sensitivity (gauge factor = 2.21, at 100% strain), and robust interface. Various human motions were monitored, proving the effectiveness and practicability of the hydrogel-elastomer hybrid.Keywords:hydrogel-elastomer hybrid;interlocked interface;human motion monitoring
The three-dimensional (3D) boron nitride (BN) thermal conductive networks, crafted through layer-by-layer assembly, hold tremendous potential for the development of insulating thermal interface materials (TIMs) with exceptional thermal conductivity. Nevertheless, maintaining the thermal conductive stability of this structure type during application remains a considerable challenge. Herein, initially, the honeycomb networks of boron nitride/nanodiamond (ND/kBN) with interlocking interfaces were prepared by electrostatic self-assembly and ice template method. Subsequently, thermal conductivity composites of flexible silicone rubber (VQM) were acquired through vacuum-assisted infiltration. The composites demonstrated improved through-plane thermal conductivity with 1.03 W/(m K) at a 9.9 vol% content of ND/kBN while exhibiting relatively ideal dielectric properties. More importantly, the thermal conductive properties of the composites still maintain at 96.1% and 91.9%, respectively, even after undergoing 30% compressive deformation for 1 h and being bent 300 times. This study presents a novel strategy that not only improves the thermal conductivity of composites but also ensures the reliability of their applications. Highlights Nanodiamond (ND) is anchored onto the kBN surface by electrostatic self-assembly. ND/kBN filler honeycomb network with an interlocking interface was prepared. Flexible composites with high thermal conductivity (TC) were prepared. The composites exhibit excellent TC stability after experiencing deformation.