Reversible Dendritic-Crystal-Reinforced Polymer Gel for Bioinspired Adaptable Adhesive

High-strength and reversible adhesion technology, which is a universal phenomenon in nature but remains challenging for artificial synthesis, is essential for the development of modern science. Existing adhesive designs without interface versatility hinder their application to arbitrary surfaces. Bioinspired by creeper suckers, a crystal-fiber reinforced polymer gel adhesive with ultrastrong adhesion strength and universal interface adaptability is creatively prepared via introducing a room-temperature crystallizable solvent into the polymer network. The gel adhesive formed by hydrogen bonding interaction between crystal fibers and polymer network can successfully realize over 9.82 MPa reversible adhesion strength for rough interface and 406.87 J m(-2) peeling toughness for skin tissue. In situ anchoring is achieved for adapting to different geometrical surfaces. The adhesion performance can be significantly improved with the further increase of the interfacial roughness and hydrophilicity, whose dissipation mechanism is simulated by finite element analysis. The melting-crystallization equilibrium of the crystal fibers is proved by synchrotron radiation scattering. Accordingly, reversible phase-transition triggered by light and heat can realize the controlled adhere-detach recycle. Later adjustments to the monomers or crystals are expected to broaden its applications to various fields such as bioelectronics, electronic processing, and machine handling.

Automated summary

The study successfully developed a crystal-fiber reinforced polymer gel adhesive with high strength and reversible adhesion, inspired by nature. The adhesive shows ultrastrong reversible adhesion strength for rough surfaces, as well as high peeling toughness for skin tissue. In situ anchoring is achieved for different geometrical surfaces, and the adhesion performance can be significantly improved by increasing interfacial roughness and hydrophilicity.