Barnacle Cement Proteins-Inspired Tough Hydrogels with Robust, Long-Lasting, and Repeatable Underwater Adhesion

The development of adhesives that can achieve robust and repeatable adhesion to various surfaces underwater is promising; however, this remains a major challenge primarily because the surface hydration layer weakens the interfacial molecular interactions. Herein, a strategy is proposed to develop tough hydrogels that are robust, reusable, and long-lasting for underwater adhesion. Hydrogels from cationic and aromatic monomers with an aromatic-rich composition inspired by the amino acid residuals in barnacle cement proteins are synthesized. The hydrogels are mechanically strong and tough (elastic modulus 0.35 MPa, fracture stress 1.0 MPa, and fracture strain 720%), owing to the interchain pi-pi and cation-pi interactions. In water, the hydrogels firmly adhere to diverse surfaces through interfacial electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions (adhesion strength of 180 kPa), which allows for instant adhesion and reversibility (50 times). Moreover, the hydrogel shows long-lasting adhesion in water for months (100 days). Novel adhesive hydrogels may be useful in many applications, including underwater transfer, water-based devices, underwater repair, and underwater soft robots.

Automated summary

This study proposes a strategy to develop tough hydrogels that can achieve robust, reusable, and long-lasting adhesion to various surfaces underwater. The hydrogels exhibit high mechanical strength, wear resistance, and long-lasting adhesion in water, making them potentially useful in applications such as underwater transfer, water-based devices, underwater repair, and underwater soft robots.