High-entropy hydrogel becomes rigid when heated/ soft when cooled, and is switchable in seconds for adaptive armor and soft robotics

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1078596

"high-entropy topology lowers energy barriers... armor hardens on impact: 760X modulus increase at 80°C, supports 1 kg weight, resists impact at 474 J/m)... hydrophilic acrylamide units in calcium acrylate polymer network disrupt calcium-crosslinked chains overcoming slow phase dissolution for ultrafast recovery: glassy to rubbery in 28 seconds vs. 23 minutes, softens for comfort (20°C)... soft robotics/ heat-triggered shape changes for precise tasks, fabrics stretch >20X, conforms to hand based on body temperature"