Engineering of Tough Double Network Hydrogels

Abstract

Double‐network (DN) hydrogel has intrinsic tough mechanical properties due to its unique two contrasting network structures. The research on DN hydrogel is a fast growing field, mainly focusing on network structures, formation, and interactions at the molecular level. In this trend article, we take a critical review at the important and latest research findings, current research challenges, and future research directions in the DN hydrogel field. We discuss some issues on the discovery of fundamentally new phenomena versus performance benchmarking for different types of the DN hydrogels. Finally we offer our personal opinions to several unique aspects for future DN gel research. image