Mechanically Transparent Adhesives For Stretchable Materials

Author

• Gabriela Moreira Lana, Missouri University of Science and TechnologyFollow
• Cornelia Meissner
• Siddhant Iyer
• Xin Hu
• Perin Jhaveri
• Skylar Tibbits
• Alfred J. Crosby

Abstract

Joining soft, flexible materials, such as fabrics and foams, presents unique challenges due to their surface topography, porosity, and the need to maintain adhesion and mechanical properties under large deformations. Conventional methods require damaging processes, such as sewing or the use of harmful solvents to achieve sufficient penetration for mechanical interlocking. To address these challenges, we present a bioinspired solvent-free, dual-network adhesive designed for seamless integration with stretchable materials. We use an ABA triblock copolymer, poly(methyl methacrylate)-poly(n-butyl acrylate)-poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA-b-PnBA-b-PMMA), where PMMA self-assembled microdomains provide structural integrity and the PnBA matrix ensures elasticity and adaptability. A secondary poly(n-butyl acrylate) (PnBA) network, polymerized in situ, locks the structure in place and allows for tunable mechanical properties (Young's modulus: 0.17-1.18 MPa) to match different substrates. This architecture enables seam bonds that match the mechanical behavior of the adhered material across a wide range of strains, creating "mechanically transparent seams". The use of compatible reactive monomers to mobilize the multiphase copolymer permits the formation of highly integrated bonds without the use of harmful solvents, providing an eco-friendly, high-performance bonding solution for industries requiring flexible, durable, and sustainable adhesion technologies.

Recommended Citation

G. Moreira Lana et al., "Mechanically Transparent Adhesives For Stretchable Materials," ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces, vol. 17, no. 21, pp. 31380 - 31391, American Chemical Society, May 2025.

The definitive version is available at https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.5c03202

Department(s)

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering

Comments

University of Massachusetts Amherst, Grant None

Keywords and Phrases

acrylate adhesive; fabrics; microphase separation; self-assembly; stretchable; textile joint; triblock copolymer

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

1944-8252; 1944-8244

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2026 American Chemical Society, All rights reserved.

Publication Date

28 May 2025

PubMed ID

40367524