Dynamic interactions between polymer molecules and inorganic nanoparticle surfaces can play a critical role in bulk mechanical properties of soft nanocomposite materials. However, controlling such interfacial interactions remains a significant challenge. Inspired by the adhesive chemistry in mussel threads, we present a novel approach to control soft composite mechanics via polymer-particle interfacial dynamics; by incorporating iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe3O4 NPs) into a catechol-modified polymer network the resulting hydrogels are crosslinked via reversible metal-coordination bonds at Fe3O4 NP surfaces thereby providing a dynamic gel network with robust self-healing properties. By studying the coupling between composite network mechanics and polymer-NP binding dynamics we have found that material properties can be engineered from both sides of the metal-organic interface. This early demonstration of control over nanocomposite hydrogel mechanics via bio-inspired interfacial bond dynamics offers an expansive platform for future design of soft nanocomposite materials.

Controlling nanocomposite hydrogel mechanics via bioinspired interfacial bond dynamics

250th National Meeting (2015)

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