Nanocomposite Hydrogels Reinforced by Carbon Nanotubes
Hydrogels are three-dimensional (3D) network structure materials consisting of hydrophilic polymer chains, which are crosslinked to form matrices with high water content which swells but does not dissolve in water. They are characterized by tunable physical, chemical, biological properties, high biocompatibility and versatility in fabrication, which classified them as a promising materials in several fields. The soft and wet nature makes hydrogels ideal candidates for applications in soft robotics, smart lenses and artificial muscles. Recently, carbon nanomaterials, have been incorporated into various hydrogels, because of their superior electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties, which have been widely applied to sensors, actuators and barrier technologies. These unique physicochemical properties of carbon nanomaterials are highly desired for soft robots, enabling them to work in different environments and provide real-time feedback in order to achieve optimal human-robot and robot-robot interfaces. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are often used as reinforcing agents to enhance the mechanical properties of hydrogels. A new class of hydrogels, known as nanocomposite hydrogels were obtained by incorporating CNTs in hydrogel formulations, resulting as very tough and electrically conductive hydrogels. Herein, will be discussed more in detail the use of carbon nancomposite hydrogels in the applications as actuators and sensors, conductive hydrogels and tissue engineering and biomedicine.