A hyperbranched polymer elastomer-based pressure sensitive adhesive

Abstract

Formation of pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) with instant tough adhesion to diverse materials under harsh conditions remains a huge challenge. Here, we report a versatile strategy for designing a hyperbranched polymer elastomer PSA by one-pot polymerization of thioctic acid and multi-vinyl monomers in the presence of a thermoreversible agarose network. This PSA demonstrates a super stretchability (unprecedented maximum elongation >58 000%) and achieves instant tough adhesion to various substrates (dust-contaminated surfaces) in air. Additionally, the outstanding water dispelling capability of coacervated hyperbranched hydrophobic chains enables this PSA to be directly deployable in water, and the exposed abundant carboxyls, in combination with multiple noncovalent interactions, contribute to a tough long-lasting adhesion to diverse materials in water. Furthermore, this PSA can autonomously repair physical damage, and the re-healed elastomer still maintains robust adhesiveness, enabling its reusability, and lessening the environmental burden. Remarkably, our PSA can maintain a high adhesion at an ultra-low temperature, and 3D printing of a molten PSA provides a simple way to transform nonsticky materials into sticky materials. This design concept opens up a new possibility for engineering benign high-performance sustainable PSAs.