Advancements in Eco-Friendly Smart Adhesives from Jeonbuk National University Researchers

Innovative Eco-Friendly Smart Adhesives from Jeonbuk National University

Researchers at Jeonbuk National University in South Korea have made a significant breakthrough in adhesive technology by developing an eco-friendly and photo-switchable smart adhesive. As industries ranging from aerospace to biomedicine increasingly rely on adhesives, the environmental impact of traditional petroleum-based adhesives has come under scrutiny. This innovative new adhesive offers a sustainable alternative, addressing both functionality and environmental concerns.

The Problem with Conventional Adhesives

Conventional adhesives are effective and economically viable, yet they pose serious environmental risks. These adhesives release harmful petroleum-based chemicals that can contaminate soil and water. Additionally, the production processes contribute to pollution, and many traditional adhesives are challenging to recycle or dispose of properly. Therefore, it is crucial to develop reusable and environmentally friendly options.

The Breakthrough from Jeonbuk National University

The research team, led by Professor Kwang-Un Jeong and Ph.D. student Mintaek Oh, has synthesized a novel adhesive using biomass-derived materials. The foundation of this adhesive is a newly created tetrahydrogeraniol-based monomer, derived from rose oil, comprising 95% of the adhesive's content.

According to Professor Jeong, the adhesive not only exhibits light-responsive adhesion but is also cost-effective and reusable. The resulting product is known as the T/A adhesive, derived from the copolymerization of an acid azobenzene-based methacrylate monomer (AAMM) and the biomass-based tetrahydrogeraniol methacrylate monomer (TGMM). The AAMM component contains azobenzene, carboxylic acid, and methacrylate, known for their reversible photo-switchable properties.

How It Works

When exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light, the T/A adhesive becomes more liquid-like, reducing its adhesion strength, which can then be reverted back to its original state upon exposure to visible light. This capability illustrates its fully reversible adhesion control via light, a feature that offers immense potential for various applications.

Moreover, the adhesive's adhesion strength can also be manipulated using heat and solvents. For instance, applying heat above 500°C diminishes its adhesion, but it restores its properties once cooled. Additionally, the adhesive can be dissolved using solvents like chloroform, making it easy to recover and reuse. Remarkably, tests revealed that the T/A adhesive retains over 90% of its original adhesive strength even after multiple usage cycles.

Practical Applications and Future Implications

Furthermore, the research team has successfully demonstrated the utility of this adhesive by integrating it into a smart UV sensor, which can function as a light-sensitive switch in electrical circuits. Mintaek Oh comments on the implications of the research, stating, "Our smart, reusable, light-responsive adhesive has promising applications in environmental monitoring, smart electronics, and adaptive assembly systems."

The shift from traditional petroleum-based adhesives to biomass-derived alternatives is not only a leap toward sustainability but also opens the door for smarter adhesive technologies. By leveraging the benefits of eco-friendly materials, the researchers at Jeonbuk National University are paving the way for a more sustainable future in adhesive applications.

The research was published in the Chemical Engineering Journal on September 15, 2025.

For further details, please refer to the original paper titled 'Eco-Friendly and Photo-Switchable Smart Adhesives from Biomass-Based Copolymers with Acid Azobenzene Functions'.

Conclusion

As the demand increases for advanced adhesives with diverse capabilities, the research conducted at Jeonbuk National University stands as a vital contribution to the material sciences field and offers eco-friendly innovations that meet both performance and sustainability goals. The future of adhesive technology looks promising, reducing environmental impact while enhancing functionality across various industries.