Robust and recoverable dual cross-linking networks in pressure-sensitive adhesives

Pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) demand the ability to simultaneously improve toughness and adhesion. However, these requirements of PSAs have remained a great challenge because robust and recoverable characteristics are usually contradictory properties of PSAs. Dual cross-linking networks developed by incorporating dynamic noncovalent bonds into chemical cross-linking networks have the potential to mitigate these requirements in a wide variety of applications including adhesives, hydrogels, and elastomers. Herein, a facile approach to achieve dual cross-linking networks of acrylic PSAs with excellent mechanical properties and high-adhesive performance that integrate physically cross-linked networks into chemically cross-linked networks is proposed. Diurethane acrylic monomer-pentaerythritol ethoxylate (DAM-PEEL) groups were introduced into the acrylic PSA system through photopolymerization. The PSA/DAM-PEEL dual cross-linking networks led to the development of the chemically cross-linked networks for both PSA and DAM via covalent bonds and the physically cross-linked networks between the amide groups of DAM and the hydroxyl groups of PEEL via hydrogen bonds. Consequently, the PSA/DAM-PEEL dual cross-linking networks were able to simultaneously improve the modulus and stretchability. This design strategy for developing dual cross-linking networks of materials could offer potential applications for various adhesive-related applications.