Supramolecular Thermo Aero-able Gelators (STAGs) for synthesis of hydrogels

TL;DR

This paper introduces Supramolecular Thermo Aero-able Gelators (STAGs) as bi-functional, environmentally friendly agents for cross-linking and aerating polyacrylate hydrogels, offering a greener alternative to traditional methods.

Contribution

The study presents a novel class of supramolecular gelators (STAGs) that combine cross-linking and aeration functions, advancing sustainable hydrogel synthesis.

Findings

STAGs effectively cross-link polyacrylate networks.

STAGs enable aeration ('aero-able') of hydrogels.

STAGs are bi-functional and greener than traditional cross-linkers.

Abstract

Supramolecular Thermo Aero-able Gelators (STAGs): tartaric acid, urea, and guanidine with amide and imine moieties as supramolecular synthons are introduced to cross-link and aerate ('aero-able') polyacrylate networks for synthesis of hydrogels. They are bi-functional hence present a greener alternative to the existing cross-linkers and gelators.