Proceedings of MATSUS23 & Sustainable Technology Forum València (STECH23) (MATSUS23)
DOI: https://doi.org/10.29363/nanoge.matsus.2023.053
Publication date: 22nd December 2022
The synthesis of different hydrophilic polymeric networks, by in situ radical polymerization in the presence of 2D materials, gives rise to three-dimensional soft structures. The role of the nanomaterial within the polymeric network is mainly intended for reinforcement (i.e. stiffness and toughness enhancement). However, we have shown that the presence of 2D materials, such as graphene, can also enhance features such as biocompatibility [1], sensing [2] or self-healing capability [3], giving rise to truly hybrid composites [4]. Moreover, the ability of these soft materials to respond to different stimuli, such as electric and magnetic fields, to behave as sensors, and the possibility to prepare them following 3D printing methodologies, open the way to applications in soft robotics [5]. The preparation of these smart soft systems requires the production of large quantities of 2D materials easily dispersible in water; ball milling methods developed in our laboratories have proven to be both sustainable and easily scalable technologies. [6], [7].