An Imidazolium-Based Supramolecular Gelator Enhancing Interlayer Adhesion in 3D Printed Dual Network Hydrogels

<p>The variety of UV-curable monomers for 3D printing is limited by a requirement for rapid curing after</p><p>each sweep depositing a layer. This study proposes to trigger supramolecular self-assembly during the</p><p>process by a gemini imidazolium-based low-molecular...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Autores: Zhou, Zuoxin, Samperi, Mario, Santu, Lea, Dizon, Glenieliz, Aboarkaba, Shereen, Limón, David, Tuck, Christopher, Pérez García, M. Lluïsa (Maria Lluïsa), Irvine, Derek J., Amabilino, David B., Wildman, Ricky
Tipo de recurso: artículo
Estado:Versión publicada
Fecha de publicación:2021
País:España
Institución:Universidad de Barcelona
Repositorio:Dipòsit Digital de la UB
OAI Identifier:oai:diposit.ub.edu:2445/208063
Acceso en línea:https://hdl.handle.net/2445/208063
Access Level:acceso abierto
Palabra clave:Agents antiinflamatoris
Química supramolecular
Antiinflammatory agents
Supramolecular chemistry
Descripción
Sumario:<p>The variety of UV-curable monomers for 3D printing is limited by a requirement for rapid curing after</p><p>each sweep depositing a layer. This study proposes to trigger supramolecular self-assembly during the</p><p>process by a gemini imidazolium-based low-molecular-weight gelator, allowing printing of certain</p><p>monomers. The as-printed hydrogel structures were supported by a gelator network immobilising monomer:</p><p>water solutions. A thixotropic hydrogel was formed with a recovery time of <50 s, storage modulus =</p><p>8.1 kPa and yield stress = 18 Pa, processable using material extrusion 3D printing. Material extrusion 3D</p><p>printed objects are usually highly anisotropic, but in this case the gelator network improved the isotropy</p><p>by subverting the usual layer-by-layer curing strategy. The monomer in all printed layers was cured</p><p>simultaneously during post-processing to form a continuous polymeric network. The two networks then</p><p>physically interpenetrate to enhance mechanical performance. The double network hydrogels fabricated</p><p>with layers cured simultaneously showed 62–147% increases in tensile properties compared to layer-bylayer</p><p>cured hydrogels. The results demonstrated excellent inter- and intra-layered coalescence.</p>