Mechanics and physics of the light-driven response of hydrogels

Hydrogels are versatile and environmentally sensitive materials having appealing tunable physical-chemical-mechanical properties, similar to those encountered in natural living tissues, which enable their use a wide range of applications, especially the biomedical field. In present study, we investigate temperature-driven responsiveness one class elastomeric gels, namely poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (pNIPAm), that allows for temperature-controlled swelling. particular, consider mechanical behavior temperature-sensitive hydrogels temperature variation is result light-thermal conversion enabled by nanoparticles embedded material. Relying on theoretical multi-physics-based model describing light diffusion, heat generation transfer, fluid absorption, mechanics, morphing response hydrogel elements investigated. The complex interplay between uptake (swelling) deformation taking place at different temperatures light-driven swelling under time-dependent stimulus studied. It shown self-cooling material influences responsiveness. Accordingly, demonstrate generated dispersed heat, key aspect an efficient design devices materials.