Double network hydrogel polymers with rapid automated self-strengthening upon deformation

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1074812

"overcomes sluggish reinforcement during typical deformation rates, using weak chemical bond cleavage for activation, modifying DN hydrogel by embedding molecular components containing weak azo bonds (–N=N–) into primary polymer network, subsequently soaking up large monomer/ crosslinker concentrations... dmechano-radicals rapidly react with the absorbed monomers/ crosslinkers, forming, 100X faster, new stronger self-strengthening primary network... rubber, elastomers, biomaterials, contact lenses, soft robots"