Journal of Advanced Materials Research | Volume 1, Issue 1: 18-36, 2025 | DOI: 10.62762/JAMR.2025.941906
Abstract
Traditional hydrogels often exhibit disordered molecular structures, resulting in limited mechanical strength, toughness, and functionality, which restrict their practical applications. Here, we engineer an anisotropic $\mathrm{Zr^{4+}}$-crosslinked P(DMA-AA)-CMC hydrogel via pre-stretching to mimic muscle-like alignment. This strategy enhances mechanical strength (5.6 MPa along orientation axis, $1.8\times$ higher than perpendicular) and directional sensitivity through $\mathrm{Zr^{4+}}$-stabilized microstructural ordering. The sensor achieves 303\% $\Delta R/R_0$ at 100\% strain with $2.2\times$ higher sensitivity parallel to pre-stretch direction, enabling precise movement/orientation tra... More >
Graphical Abstract