Abstract: A new kind of poly (N-isopropylacrylamide)/clay nanocomposite hydrogel (PNIPA/Clay) was prepared using inorganic clay as a crosslinker by insitu polymerization method. The effect of the ratio of monomer, clay and dispersant on the performance of hydrogels was investigated. Experimental results indicated that when the ratio of monomer/clay was 1.5~2.0 and monomer/dispersant was 1：10, the hydrogel had excellent gelling performance. The swelling ratio decreased with increasing clay contents. The maximum swelling ratio was 12.8 g/g. The hydrogel displayed excellent selfhealing performance and the cut surfaces of hydrogels could autonomically fusion at room temperature within 24 h. The selfhealing efficient of 43.0 % was obtained.

Key words: poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), clay, self-healing, nanocomposite self-healing hydrogel