Simultaneous superior lubrication and high load bearing by the dynamic weak interaction of a lubricant with mechanically strong bilayer porous hydrogels

Abstract

Inspired by the microscopic architecture of articular cartilage, mechanically strong porous hydrogels with a bilayer structure are prepared. Compared to the nonporous hydrogel, the lubricant layer is retained at the interface and the interior of the porous structure even under large normal loads to give a lower friction.