Thermo-Switchable Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives

INV-24023

Background:

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are integral in a multitude of applications, from consumer use, construction, electronics, and medicine. A major limitation of existing PSAs is their inability to switch adhesion on and off. Once applied, the adhesive cannot be easily removed or reused. Switchable adhesives have the potential to significantly reduce cost, promote sustainability, and expand their use across many industries, including advanced manufacturing and robotics.

Description:

Northeastern researchers have created a pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) that exhibits extraordinary switchability between adhering and non-adhering states, triggered by temperature changes. This innovative material is composed of a thermo-responsive sticky poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) hydrogel crosslinked with nanoclays. The switching mechanism relies on the condensation of polymer chains and migration of water during the thermo-induced phase separation in a thermo-responsive hydrogel. It uniquely transitions from a robust adhesive state at room temperature to a non-adhesive state above 35°C/95°F. This feature sets it apart from traditional PSAs, which lack such reversible adhesion capabilities.

Benefits:

• Unique temperature-controlled switchability, allows a seamless transition from high-strength adhesion to a non-adhesive state with a mere change in temperature.
• Unparalleled versatility, adhering strongly to a wide range of materials, including plastics, elastomers, wood, glass, and metals.
• Rapid response, transitioning between states in just 3-10 seconds, demonstrating both efficiency and practicality.
• Adhesion strength of 80-100 kPa is comparable to commercial duct tapes.
• Highly durable, maintaining consistent reversible adhesion for at least 10 cycles, ensuring longevity and reliability.
• The adhesive's water-based, self-healing nature makes it environmentally friendly and easy to store and rehydrate, aligning with sustainable practices.

Applications:

• Advanced manufacturing: enables digital material assembly and disassembly
• Wearable devices: serves as an innovative smart material interface, enhancing the functionality and adaptability of portable electronics.
• Robotics, including climbing and flying micro-robots.
• Sustainable packaging.
• Construction

Opportunity

• License
• Research collaboration

Seeking:

• Development Partner
• Commercial Partner
• Licensing