The chapter "Tough Hydrogels for Load-Bearing Applications" by Nika Petelinšek and Stefan Mommer discusses the development and properties of tough hydrogels, which are promising materials for load-bearing applications due to their ability to resist multiple cycles of extreme mechanical impact. The authors highlight the importance of enhancing the mechanical properties and fracture mechanics of hydrogels through various chemical interactions and network architectures. They emphasize the need to consider important variables like water content, which can significantly affect the mechanical properties of hydrogels. The chapter begins with an introduction to the motivation behind the development of tough hydrogels, noting the global market value and applications of hydrogels in various sectors such as personal care, healthcare, and agriculture. It then delves into the mechanical characterization of tough hydrogels, explaining methods like tensile tests to evaluate their ductility, strength, and toughness. The authors also discuss different modes of energy dissipation, including sacrificial bonds, metal-ligand interactions, ionic interactions, hydrogen bonding, microphase separation, composites, and self-assembly. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in tough hydrogels, comparing the mechanical properties of various systems and highlighting the impact of water content on these properties. It also explores the applications of tough hydrogels and their comparison with existing materials, while discussing future opportunities and design strategies for these materials. The authors conclude by summarizing the key findings and providing recommendations for future research in the field.The chapter "Tough Hydrogels for Load-Bearing Applications" by Nika Petelinšek and Stefan Mommer discusses the development and properties of tough hydrogels, which are promising materials for load-bearing applications due to their ability to resist multiple cycles of extreme mechanical impact. The authors highlight the importance of enhancing the mechanical properties and fracture mechanics of hydrogels through various chemical interactions and network architectures. They emphasize the need to consider important variables like water content, which can significantly affect the mechanical properties of hydrogels. The chapter begins with an introduction to the motivation behind the development of tough hydrogels, noting the global market value and applications of hydrogels in various sectors such as personal care, healthcare, and agriculture. It then delves into the mechanical characterization of tough hydrogels, explaining methods like tensile tests to evaluate their ductility, strength, and toughness. The authors also discuss different modes of energy dissipation, including sacrificial bonds, metal-ligand interactions, ionic interactions, hydrogen bonding, microphase separation, composites, and self-assembly. The chapter provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of research in tough hydrogels, comparing the mechanical properties of various systems and highlighting the impact of water content on these properties. It also explores the applications of tough hydrogels and their comparison with existing materials, while discussing future opportunities and design strategies for these materials. The authors conclude by summarizing the key findings and providing recommendations for future research in the field.