Ultrastrong underwater adhesion on diverse substrates using non-canonical phenolic groups

• DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-29427-w
• Publication Date: 2022-04-13T10:14:25Z
• Authors: Bohan Cheng; Jinhong Yu; Toma Arisawa; Koki Hayashi; Joseph J. Richardson; Yasushi Shibuta; Hirotaka Ejima
• Keywords: Creatures

Abstract Robust underwater adhesion is challenging because a hydration layer impedes the interaction between substrates and adhesives. Phenolic adhesives inspired by marine creatures such as mussels were extensively studied, but these have not reached strength substrate diversity of Man-made dry Here, we report class ultrastrong with molecular phenolic designs extending beyond what nature has produced. These non-canonical polymers show versatile on various materials, strengths exceeding 10 MPa metal. Incorporating even just small amount (<10%) groups into polymer sufficient for dramatically enhancing adhesion, suggesting that this new materials will be incorporated industrial systems in future.