Until now, artificial gels have either managed to replicate this high stiffness or natural skin’s self-healing properties, ...

A network of two polymers plus sulfuric acid allows a hydrogel to keep its elasticity and softness at extreme temperatures.

New research suggests a novel solution: a material called "hydrogel" — the same technology used for the 'grow monster' toys — could shield space travelers from harmful radiation. A research ...

(top) Hydrogels with and without self-strengthening abilities with a 1 mm crack stretched to varied lengths. (bottom) Illustration of self-strengthening mechanism in the hydrogel polymer network.

A double network hydrogel being stretched to different lengths. The necked region of the hydrogel indicates rupture of the first polymer network (Photo: WPI-ICReDD). New double network hydrogel ...