ma6b02213_si_001.pdf (288.44 kB)
Integrating Mussel Chemistry into a Bio-Based Polymer to Create Degradable Adhesives
journal contribution
posted on 2017-01-04, 00:00 authored by Courtney
L. Jenkins, Heather M. Siebert, Jonathan J. WilkerAdhesives releasing carcinogenic
formaldehyde are almost everywhere
in our homes and offices. Most of these glues are permanent, preventing
disassembly and recycling of the components. New materials are thus
needed to bond and debond without releasing reactive pollutants. In
order to develop the next generation of advanced adhesives we have
turned to biology for inspiration. The bonding chemistry of mussel
proteins was combined with preformed poly(lactic acid), a bio-based
polymer, by utilizing side reactions of Sn(oct)2, to create
catechol-containing copolymers. Structure–function studies
revealed that bulk adhesion was comparable to that of several petroleum-based
commercial glues. Bonds could then be degraded in a controlled fashion,
separating substrates gradually using mild hydrolysis conditions.
These results show that biomimetic design principles can bring about
the next generation of adhesive materials. Such new copolymers may
help replace permanent materials with renewable and degradable adhesives
that do not create chronic exposure to toxins.