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Hydrogel Adhesion: a Synergy of Mechanics, Chemistry, and Topology

Update time:Jun 25, 2019

Speaker:Prof.SUO Zhigang,Harvard University
Time:Wednesday,10:30a.m.~11:30a.m.,26th June
Place:A718

Abstract:Adhering hydrogels to various materials is fundamental to numerous applications in engineering and medicine. The last few years have seen transformative advances in achieving strong hydrogel adhesion. A unifying principle has emerged: strong hydrogel adhesion requires the synergy of chemistry of bonds, topology of connection, and mechanics of dissipation. This synergy characterizes hydrogel adhesion to various materials (another hydrogel, tissue, elastomer, plastic, metal, glass, and ceramic) in various operations (cast, coat, print, attach, pierce, and glue). Strong adhesion can be made permanent, reversible, degradable, or on-demand detachable. The development of hydrogel adhesion and its applications adheres disciplines, discovers interlinks, and forges cohesion. Discussed throughout the talk are immediate opportunities for fundamental studies and practical applications.

Bio:SUO Zhigang is Allen E. and Marilyn M. Puckett Professor of Mechanics and Materials at Harvard University. He earned a bachelor degree from Xi'an Jiaotong University in 1985, and a Ph.D. degree from Harvard University in 1989. Suo joined the faculty of the University of California at Santa Barbara in 1989, Princeton University in 1997, and Harvard University in 2003. He is a member of the US National Academy of Engineering and of the US National Academy of Sciences.


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