Scientists have developed an advanced adhesive with remarkably unique properties. The new adhesive is the combination of strength and ductility that makes it the toughest ever reusable adhesive.
The adhesive has been developed by researchers at the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Researchers created the new adhesive from common household plastics
Researchers engineered the chemical structure of a common household plastic to up-cycle it into a reusable adhesive with unique properties. This was accomplished through a process known as dynamic cross-linking that enables the bridging of typically incompatible materials.
Image courtesy: Carlos Jones/ORNL, U.S. Dept. of Energy
One of the toughest materials known to science
A very small patch of this adhesive can hold around 300 lb (136 kg) in the air. It can also tolerate extreme stress, heat, and reversibly attach to various surfaces like glass, aluminum, steel, etc.
This unique adhesive not only lets you make repairs or correct any mistakes but can also be reclaimed and reused.
The recyclable adhesive can maintain its performance at temperatures of up to 400 °F (204 °C). As a result, it suitable for high-temperature applications.
ORNL Intends to commercialize the technique that can be used in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries.
