title: Highly extensible bio-nanocomposite fibers.
abstract: Here, we show that a poly(ethylene oxide) polymer can be physically cross-linked with silicate nanoparticles (Laponite) to yield highly extensible, bio-nanocomposite fibers that, upon pulling, stretch to extreme lengths and crystallize polymer chains. We find that both, nanometer structures and mechanical properties of the fibers respond to mechanical deformation by exhibiting strain-induced crystallization and high elongation. We explore the structural characteristics using X-ray scattering and the mechanical properties of the dried fibers made from hydrogels in order to determine feasibility for eventual biomedical use and to map out directions for further materials development.
authors: Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana 47907, USA.
authors: Akhilesh K
authors: AK
authors: Gaharwar
authors: Patrick J
authors: PJ
authors: Schexnailder
authors: Avinash
authors: A
authors: Dundigalla
authors: James D
authors: JD
authors: White
authors: Cristina R
authors: CR
authors: Matos-Pérez
authors: Joshua L
authors: JL
authors: Cloud
authors: Soenke
authors: S
authors: Seifert
authors: Jonathan J
authors: JJ
authors: Wilker
authors: Gudrun
authors: G
authors: Schmidt
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D020100:Hydrogels / Q000737:chemistry; D051379:Mice; D041681:NIH 3T3 Cells; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry*; D057139:Nanofibers / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry; D053838:Scattering, Small Angle; D017640:Silicates / Q000737:chemistry; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
chemical_list: D020100:Hydrogels; D017640:Silicates; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C524813:laponite