Abstract:
Described herein are window retrofits including a monolithic silica aerogel slab having (i) an average haze value of 94% at 8 mm thickness. The window retrofit can be bonded to a glass sheet.
Abstract:
The present disclosure generally relates to a stretchable anti-fogging tape (SAT) that can be applied to diverse transparent materials with varied curvatures for persistent fogging prevention. The SAT comprises three synergistically-combined transparent layers: i) a stretchable middle layer with high elastic recovery to keep transparent materials tightly bound; ii) an anti-fogging top layer to impart hydrophilicity to transparent materials; and iii) an adhesive bottom layer to form robust yet reversible adhesion between transparent materials and SATs. The SAT can be configured to have water condensate form a predominantly continuous film thereon in response to a high humidity environment At least two applications are demonstrated, including the SAT-adhered eyeglasses and goggles for clear fog-free vision, and the SAT-adhered condensation cover for efficient solar-powered freshwater production.
Abstract:
An expandable hydrogel structure formed of a housing with a superabsorbent material disposed and sealed therein, particularly wherein the housing is fabricated of a hydrogel membrane with a plurality of macropores providing fluid communication between the superabsorbent material and an exterior of the housing. Exposure of the superabsorbent material to an expansion trigger expands the housing from an initial size to an expanded size that is at least about 50 times to at least about 100 times the initial size. One or more therapeutic agents can further be disposed within the housing to provide controlled release of the therapeutic agents from the expanded housing for extended periods.
Abstract:
A method for making a tough and compliant hydrogel. A precursor hydrogel is made of a first polymer selected to maintain high elasticity and a second polymer selected to dissipate mechanical energy. The precursor hydrogel is stretched to a multiple of its original length to form a pre-stretched hydrogel. The pre-stretched hydrogel is allowed to relax and is soaked in a biocompatible solvent to reach equilibrium swelling of the pre-stretched hydrogel whereby shear modulus of the hydrogel is reduced.
Abstract:
Method for making a tough and compliant hydrogel. A precursor hydrogel is made of a first polymer selected to maintain high elasticity and a second polymer selected to dissipate mechanical energy. The precursor hydrogel is stretched to a multiple of its original length to form a pre-stretched hydrogel. The pre-stretched hydrogel is allowed to relax and is soaked in a biocompatible solvent to reach equilibrium swelling of the pre-stretched hydrogel whereby shear modulus of the hydrogel is reduced.
Abstract:
The present disclosure generally relates to a stretchable anti-fogging tape (SAT) that can be applied to diverse transparent materials with varied curvatures for persistent fogging prevention. The SAT comprises three synergistically-combined transparent layers: i) a stretchable middle layer with high elastic recovery to keep transparent materials tightly bound; ii) an anti-fogging top layer to impart hydrophilicity to transparent materials; and iii) an adhesive bottom layer to form robust yet reversible adhesion between transparent materials and SATs. The SAT can be configured to have water condensate form a predominantly continuous film thereon in response to a high humidity environment At least two applications are demonstrated, including the SAT-adhered eyeglasses and goggles for clear fog-free vision, and the SAT-adhered condensation cover for efficient solar-powered freshwater production.
Abstract:
Described herein are window retrofits including a monolithic silica aerogel slab having (i) an average haze value of 94% at 8 mm thickness. The window retrofit can be bonded to a glass sheet.
Abstract:
Method for making a tough and compliant hydrogel. A precursor hydrogel is made of a first polymer selected to maintain high elasticity and a second polymer selected to dissipate mechanical energy. The precursor hydrogel is stretched to a multiple of its original length to form a pre-stretched hydrogel. The pre-stretched hydrogel is allowed to relax and is soaked in a biocompatible solvent to reach equilibrium swelling of the pre-stretched hydrogel whereby shear modulus of the hydrogel is reduced.
Abstract:
Chemically anchoring long-chain polymer networks of tough hydrogels on solid surfaces can represent a general strategy to design tough and functional bonding between hydrogels and solid materials, achieving interfacial toughness over 1000 Jm−2.
Abstract:
A tough biocompatible hydrogel having one or more drug delivery components, deformable conductors, and/or rigid electronic components incorporated therein in such a way that robust interfaces are formed between the hydrogel and the various components. The resulting hydrogel device provides a highly deformable hydrogel composite in which the reliability and functionality of the incorporated components are maintained even under states of large deformation, and from which one or more drugs can be delivered in a controlled and sustained manner regardless of the state of deformation.