title: Hybrid supramolecular and colloidal hydrogels that bridge multiple length scales.
abstract: Hybrid nanocomposites were constructed based on colloidal nanofibrillar hydrogels with interpenetrating supramolecular hydrogels, displaying enhanced rheological yield strain and a synergistic improvement in storage modulus. The supramolecular hydrogel consists of naphthyl-functionalized hydroxyethyl cellulose and a cationic polystyrene derivative decorated with methylviologen moieties, physically cross-linked with cucurbit[8]uril macrocyclic hosts. Fast exchange kinetics within the supramolecular system are enabled by reversible cross-linking through the binding of the naphthyl and viologen guests. The colloidal hydrogel consists of nanofibrillated cellulose that combines a mechanically strong nanofiber skeleton with a lateral fibrillar diameter of a few nanometers. The two networks interact through hydroxyethyl cellulose adsorption to the nanofibrillated cellulose surfaces. This work shows methods to bridge the length scales of molecular and colloidal hybrid hydrogels, resulting in synergy between reinforcement and dynamics.
authors.affiliation: Melville Laboratory for Polymer Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB21EW (UK).
authors.forename: Emma-Rose
authors.initials: ER
authors.lastname: Janeček
authors.forename: Jason R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: McKee
authors.forename: Cindy S Y
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Tan
authors.forename: Antti
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Nykänen
authors.forename: Marjo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kettunen
authors.forename: Janne
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Laine
authors.forename: Olli
authors.initials: O
authors.lastname: Ikkala
authors.forename: Oren A
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Scherman
keywords: hydrogels; nanocellulose; nanocomposites; supramolecular chemistry