Double-Network Metamaterials: Stiff, Tough, and Extensible

TL;DR;

This article introduces double-network-inspired metamaterials that combine stiffness, toughness, and extensibility, drawing inspiration from tough hydrogels. It presents a design, modeling, and experimental framework to understand these materials, emphasizing the role of entanglements in enhancing frictional and plastic dissipation. The research demonstrates that introducing defects can paradoxically improve toughness and stretchability by distributing failure throughout the material.