Low-voltage-triggered rapid electrical detachment of pressure-sensitive adhesives via ion transport channels

Abstract

Compared with conventional separation methods (e.g., light, heat, magnetic, and solvent-induced), electric field-controlled detachment of adhesive systems offers distinct practical application advantages. However, this non-invasive debonding mode still suffers from low separation efficiency, harsh conditions (high dangerous voltage), and the trade-off between adhesion and ion transport performance. Here, a polyacrylate-based electrical detachment pressure-sensitive adhesive (EDPSA) is designed. By incorporating ionic liquids (ILs) into the PSA matrix and constructing ion transport channels (ITCs) in the polymer network, rapid separation of adhesive components can be achieved (Ψ_{[10 V, 15 s]} > 90%). The ILs can establish various non-covalent interactions (NCIs) with polyacrylate-based PSA, including hydrogen bond interactions of different strengths, ion–dipole interactions and strong electrostatic interactions. Multiple NCIs can not only promote the dissociation of ILs and enhance the ionic conductivity (2.36 × 10⁻⁴ S m⁻¹), but also enhance the cohesive strength of polyacrylate-based EDPSA and enhance the adhesion (27.2 N/25 mm). In addition, due to the synergy between ITCs and multiple internal NCIs, polyacrylate-based EDPSA can be separated at a safe voltage of 10 V within 15 seconds.