Highly Efficient and Reusable Hydrogel-Based Packaging Material Enabled by Oriented Porous Structures and Hybrid Dual-Cross-Linking Networks

Multifunctional hydrogel-based packaging materials with high energy absorption efficiency and exceptional reusability are highly desired in various applications. However, these two requirements usually conflict. In this work, we design and fabricate a hydrogel-based packaging material with oriented porous structures and hybrid dual-cross-linking networks. This design achieves high stiffness and a wide compressive plateau stress, resulting in a hydrogel with exceptional energy absorption efficiency that surpasses that of most foam cushioning materials. The synergy of oriented pores and hybrid dual-cross-linking polymer networks endows the hydrogel with superior recovery properties in terms of strain and maximum stress under extreme compression, as well as excellent fatigue resistance under long-term cyclic loading. The hydrogel retains structural integrity and mechanical properties over a wide range of strain rates. In simulated transport tests, the hydrogel containing silver nanoparticles effectively extends the shelf life of strawberries by mitigating mechanical damage from occasional impacts and prolonged vibrations, maintaining stable humidity, and continuously releasing antibacterial additives. This work provides a highly efficient and reusable hydrogel-based packaging material for fragile and perishable items in harsh transport and storage environments.