Stimulus-responsive hydrogels are the most potential biomimetic materials for artificial muscle due to their biocompatibility, controllable mechanical properties, and unique energy conversion mechanisms. In this study, positively charged poly(dimethyl diallyl ammonium chloride) (PDDA) chains were added into concentrated negatively charged spherical polyelectrolyte brushes (SPB) consisting of poly(acrylic acid) brush on a polystyrene core (PS-PAA) to construct a polyelectrolyte complex hydrogel system. Changes in viscosity (η), storage modulus (G'), and loss modulus (G") of the concentrated coacervates were observed by rheometer upon addition of PDDA and carefully changing the pH value and salt concentration of the system. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) was used to observe the arrangement of SPB and the morphology of the final hydrogels. The successful construction of the polyelectrolyte complex hydrogels provides a novel candidate material for the artificial muscle.

Preparation of functional hydrogels based on spherical polyelectrolyte brushes coacervates

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