Double network hydrogels with controlled shape deformation: A mini review

Double network hydrogels (DN gels), consisting of two networks with strongly asymmetric network structures and properties, are one of most investigated high strength hydrogels. In most cases, the first network of DN gels is rigid, brittle and tightly crosslinked, while the second network is soft, ductile and loosely crosslinked. Because of the tunable and diverse network structures, DN gels with controlled shape deformation have attracted great attention in recent years. The shape deformation of DN gels can be controlled by first network, second network, or both networks. In this mini review, the shape deformation of DN gels via different networks will be summarized, and the application and future perspectives also are discussed. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018 , 56, 1351–1362