Composite comprising fabric and polyampholyte hydrogel and preparation method thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current materials for ACL reconstruction and high-toughness applications, such as bandages and bullet-proofing, face challenges with mechanical properties, brittleness, and rejection issues due to lack of flexibility and compatibility with the body, while existing composite materials often lack hydrogel components that are both flexible and tear-resistant.
Innovation Solution
A composite comprising a fabric coated with a polyampholyte hydrogel, where the hydrogel is synthesized through random polymerization of cationic and anionic monomers, providing a flexible and tear-resistant material with self-healing properties, suitable for medical and protective applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If carbon fiber is used as a replacement material for ACL reconstruction, then the stiffness and load support capability are improved, but the material causes fracture, fraying, spreading, irritation, poor healing, and accumulation in lymph nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines carbon fiber with hydrogel to create a composite material that maintains the high stiffness and load-bearing capability of carbon fiber while the hydrogel coating provides biocompatibility, reduces irritation, and prevents harmful effects on surrounding tissues. This composite structure allows the carbon fiber to fulfill its mechanical support function without causing the harmful effects associated with neat carbon fiber implants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If hydrogels are used as ligament replacements, then the flexibility and biocompatibility are improved, but the mechanical properties are insufficient to support high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite where hydrogel is combined with carbon fiber to achieve both flexibility and high mechanical strength. The hydrogel provides flexibility and biocompatibility while the carbon fiber reinforcement ensures the composite can support high loads required for ligament reconstruction, overcoming the limitations of neat hydrogel alone.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional hydrogels are used for fabric composites, then the non-toxicity and wound healing promotion are improved, but the brittleness prevents market entry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the physical and chemical parameters of the hydrogel through composite formation with carbon fiber, transforming it from a brittle material to a tough, flexible composite. This parameter change maintains the non-toxic and wound-healing-promoting properties of the hydrogel while eliminating the brittleness that prevented commercial application.
4Strength
If fabric composites are used for high strength and toughness applications, then the strength and toughness are improved, but the materials lack flexibility and flexibility-related properties
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a fabric-hydrogel composite where the fabric provides strength and toughness while the hydrogel imparts flexibility and elasticity. This composite structure enables the material to simultaneously achieve high mechanical strength and the flexibility needed for applications like bandages and wearable protective gear.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The composite exhibits significantly enhanced toughness and flexibility, with tear strength greater than individual components, and is biocompatible, making it suitable for ACL reconstruction, bandages, and other high-toughness applications without causing bodily rejection.
Implementation Method 1
the polyampholyte hydrogel is synthesized through random polymerization of cationic and anionic monomers
Implementation Method 2
providing a flexible and tear-resistant material with self-healing properties
Implementation Method 3
A composite comprising a fabric coated with a polyampholyte hydrogel
Data Source
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AI summary
A composite comprising a fabric and a polyampholyte hydrogel is provided. In the composite, the polyampholyte hydrogel is a hydrogel of a polymer bearing randomly dispersed cationic and anionic repeat groups and at least a part of the fabric is coated with the polyampholyte hydrogel. A method of preparation of the composite comprises steps (a) to (c): (a) providing a monomer mixture for preparation of a polyampholyte hydrogel; (b) immersing a fabric in the monomer mixture solution; and (c) polymerizing monomers in the monomer mixture solution to obtain a precursor of the composite.