Nanohydrogel brushes for switchable underwater adhesion
File(s)Revised_nanohydrogel.DSA.23.03.2017.Supporting_Materials_JPCC_Editor.pdf (1.65 MB)
Supporting information
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
In nature, living systems commonly adopt the switchable friction/adhesion mechanism during locomotion. For example, geckos can move on ceilings, relying on the reversible attachment and detachment of their feet on substrate surfaces. Inspired by this scientists have used different materials to mimic natural dynamic friction/adhesion systems. However, synthetic systems usually cannot work in water environments and are also limited to single-contact interfaces, while nature has provided living systems with complex features to perform energy dissipation and adhere on multiple contact interfaces. Here, for the first time, we report the design, synthesis, and testing of a novel double-sided synthetic construct that relies on nanohydrogel brushes to provide simultaneous friction switching on each side of the membrane that separates the nanohydrogel fibers. This highly tunable response is linked to the swelling and shrinkage of the brushes in basic/acid media. Such a system shows three different friction states, which depend on the combination of pH control of the two membrane sides. Importantly, each side of the membrane can independently provide continuous but stable friction switching from high to ultralow friction coefficients in a wet environment under high load conditions. An in-depth theoretical study is performed to explore the mechanisms governing the hydration state responsible for the observed switching. This novel design opens a promising route for the development of new solutions for intelligent devices, which can adapt to multistimulus-responsive complex environments.
Date Issued
2017-03-24
Date Acceptance
2017-03-24
Citation
Journal of Physical Chemistry C, 2017, 121 (5), pp.8452-8463
ISSN
1932-7455
Publisher
American Chemical Society
Start Page
8452
End Page
8463
Journal / Book Title
Journal of Physical Chemistry C
Volume
121
Issue
5
Copyright Statement
© 2017 American Chemical Society
Sponsor
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Engineering & Physical Science Research Council (EPSRC)
Grant Number
EP/G026114/1
EP/N025954/1
Subjects
Science & Technology
Physical Sciences
Technology
Chemistry, Physical
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Chemistry
Science & Technology - Other Topics
Materials Science
RESPONSIVE HYDROGELS
SINGLE-MOLECULE
GECKO ADHESION
MECHANICAL STRENGTH
COMPOSITE HYDROGEL
CHEMICAL SENSORS
FRICTION
SURFACE
DRY
LUBRICATION
Physical Chemistry
09 Engineering
03 Chemical Sciences
10 Technology
Publication Status
Published