Dual Physically Cross-Linked Nanocomposite Hydrogels Reinforced by Tunicate Cellulose Nanocrystals with High Toughness and Good Self-Recoverability

The weak mechanical properties of hydrogels usually limited their application in biomedical and industrial fields. Herein, we reported a nanocomposite network of poly(acrylic acid-co-acrylamide) (PAAAM) sequentially cross-linked by quaternized tunicate cellulose nanocrystals (Q-TCNCs) and Fe3+. Q-TCNCs acted as both interfacial compatible reinforcements and cross-linkers in the nanocomposite hydrogels to form loose cross-linking, whereas compact...