Moldable Hydrogels

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Summary: Stanford researchers have developed self-assembled, moldable hydrogels using dynamic and multivalent polymer-nanoparticle (PNP) interactions between commercially available cellulose derivatives and silica nanoparticles. The facile and scalable preparation of these materials leveraging self-assembly of inexpensive, renewable, and environmentally-benign starting materials, coupled with the tunability of their properties, make them amenable to a range of industrial applications. In particular, the team demonstrated their utility as injectable materials for pipeline maintenance and product recovery in industrial food manufacturing as well as their use as sprayable carriers for robust application of fire retardants in preventing wildland fires.   Applications: Aqueous viscosity modifiers in food, beverage, cosmetics, or coatings industries Pipeline maintenance in food, beverage, cosmetics, and coatings manufacturing Enhanced product recovery in batch processes in the food, beverage, cosmetics, and coatings industries Fire retardants for wildland fire fighting and prevention   Advantages: Scalable synthesis and low cost – can be made on an industrial scale at low cost Environmentally benign starting materials from renewable resources Reduces gross water consumption during industrial processes