Bioinspired Cationic-Aromatic Copolymer for Strong and Reversible Underwater Adhesion

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomaterials Engineering
• Polymer Chemistry

Background:

• Developing robust underwater adhesives is crucial for marine applications and biomedical uses.
• Existing adhesives often struggle with long-term stability and adhesion in wet environments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a novel copolymer-based adhesive with strong and repeatable underwater adhesion.
• To investigate the adhesion properties of the developed glue on various surfaces and under different environmental conditions.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a crosslinked copolymer featuring cationic units with catechol and positively charged sites.
• Investigated glue solidification triggered by water contact, involving coacervation and mechanical property enhancement.
• Tested adhesion strength on diverse materials, including plywood, in various aqueous media (deionized water, physiological conditions, seawater).

Main Results:

• The novel copolymer glue demonstrated fast-developing, strong, and repeatable underwater adhesion.
• Adhesion strength increased with substrate surface energy, reaching a maximum of 160 kPa on plywood.
• The glue maintained strength over time and exhibited enhanced adhesion in physiological conditions and seawater compared to deionized water.

Conclusions:

• The developed copolymer adhesive shows significant promise for underwater applications.
• Its robust adhesion in various aquatic environments makes it suitable for marine life and tissue adhesive applications.