Effect of cross-link density and the healing efficiency of self-healing poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogel

Abstract

In this study, hydrogels of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) with different cross-link density were prepared by the free-radical polymerization method. l-Cystine, which acts as a cross-linker, was prepared at different concentrations, ranging from 0.02 to 0.08 mol/l, to identify the concentration that provided the highest mechanical strength and healing efficacy. Healing of the hydrogels was achieved by heating above their glass transition temperature. Intermolecular diffusion of the dangling chain or chain slippage led to the healing of the gels. Results showed that 0.04 mol/l of l-cystine in poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) hydrogels provided the highest ultimate tensile strength (0.780 N/mm2) and healing recovery (92%). This healing capability was also observed using optical microscopy.