Polymer/clay nanocomposite hydrogels with anisotropic properties

However, limited literature exists on anisotropic nanocomposite hydrogels prepared under low magnetic fields, which are of interest for various soft and wet applications. This research reports polyacrylamide/montmorillonite-iron oxide (PAAm/MMT-IO), and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)/MMT-IO (PNIPAM/MMT-IO) nanocomposite hydrogels prepared via low magnetic fields showing anisotropic mechanical properties.

The magnetic field was studied as the parameter that produces anisotropy by controlling the orientation and distribution of the dispersed phase.<br><br>MMT-IO nanohybrids at a 2:1 clay to magnetite weight ratio showed suitable magnetic properties and surface characteristics to be used in the preparation of PAAm/MMT-IO and PNIPAM/MMT-IO nanocomposite hydrogels. These materials showed swelling ratios that depended on the nanohybrid content, porous morphology with nanohybrid particles distributed along the applied magnetic field and enhanced Young’s modulus, ultimate tensile strength, strain at break and toughness compared to pristine polymer hydrogel.