Abstract
Analogous to the morphological and functional features of cactus root, a novel cactus root-inspired material (CRIM) was fabricated by integrating cellulose fibers, microparticles, and agarose-based cryogels. Without undergoing sophisticated chemical synthesis or surface modification, the CRIM exhibited efficient water absorption and retention ability with high structural stability. 82% of the total water absorption capacity was recovered within 1 min, with a swelling rate nearly 930-fold faster than the evaporation rate, while only about 17% of the length extension occurred. Given that efficient water absorption and storage without physical change is crucial to the design and fabrication of water management devices, the CRIM is a promising material for various applications, including cosmetics or healthcare products, functional fabrics, and drug delivery devices.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 387-394 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| Journal | ACS Macro Letters |
| Volume | 7 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2018 Mar 20 |
| Externally published | Yes |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:*Fax: +82-54-279-3199. Phone: +82-279-2169. E-mail: sjlee@ postech.ac.kr. ORCID Sang Joon Lee: 0000-0003-3286-5941 Author Contributions H.K. and S.J.L. proposed the study. H.K. and J.K. performed the experiment and they processed images. H.K. analyzed the experimental data. All authors discussed the results. All authors participated in completing the manuscript. Funding This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIP; No. 2017R1A2B3005415). Notes The authors declare no competing financial interest.
Publisher Copyright:
© 2018 American Chemical Society.
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Organic Chemistry
- Polymers and Plastics
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Materials Chemistry