journal article·2025-09

Heterogeneous Interface Interlocking Hydrogel by Harnessing Cellulose Scaffold for Robust and Controllable Soft Actuators

Yuying Song, Zhouyang Hu, Sanwei Hao, Changyou Shao, Yangyang Xia, Chao Wang, Jing Zhang, Wenting Yu, Peng Fu, Hailin Cong, Jun Yang

Advanced Functional Materials· Volume 35· Issue 37
Publisher page

Abstract

Abstract Stimuli‐responsive hydrogels hold significant promise for human‐machine communication and soft actuators. However, conventional hydrogels, lack inherent rigidity and render them incapable of withstanding the external stress concentration, leading to severe structural destruction. To address this limitation, a structurally integrated hydrogel (SIG) based on a coordination bonding‐assisted heterostructure design is developed, combining a soft PEDOT:PSS/polyacrylic acid hydrogel layer and a rigid TEMPO‐oxidized bacterial cellulose layer for controllable soft actuators. Notably, molecular dynamics simulation reveals that the abundant interface interlocking on cellulose scaffold effectively mitigates crack propagation and optimizes structural integrity. The resulting SIG thus exhibits exceptional mechanical performance, including desirable puncture resistance (4.42 N), superior tearing tolerance (289.24 kJ m −2 ), and remarkable deformation stability (40 000 cycles). Meanwhile, the heterostructure design contributes to the programmable and reversible auto‐deformation (≈120 s) and shape memory (flower and gripper). Furthermore, the integration of hydrogel with screen‐printed Ag interdigital electrodes enables the development of a smart gripper device capable of providing continuous haptic feedback, enhancing its functionality in interactive applications. It is envisioned that this work would open up new avenues for the development of the impact and vibration resistance material and offers a novel perspective on versatile soft machines.
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Research context

OpenAlex topics: Advanced Materials and Mechanics · Hydrogels: synthesis, properties, applications · Advanced Sensor and Energy Harvesting Materials

SciVX discovery tags are terminology-based. OpenAlex topics are source-provided classifications.

Affiliations

School of Materials Science and Engineering Shandong University of Technology Zibo 255000 P. R. China

Beijing Key Laboratory of Lignocellulosic Chemistry College of Materials Science and Technology Beijing Forestry University Beijing 100083 P. R. China

Liaoning Key Laboratory of Lignocellulose Chemistry and Biomaterials College of Light Industry and Chemical Engineering Dalian Polytechnic University Dalian 116034 P. R. China

School of Agricultural Engineering and Food Science Shandong University of Technology Zibo 255000 P. R. China

Department of Orthodontics Beijing Stomatological Hospital and School of Stomatology Capital Medical University Beijing 100070 P. R. China

Funding

Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province · Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities · National Natural Science Foundation of China

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