Mussel‐Inspired Polyesters with Aliphatic Pendant Groups Demonstrate the Importance of Hydrophobicity in Underwater Adhesion. Issue 22 (12th September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Xu, Ying; Liu, Qianhui; Narayanan, Amal; Jain, Dharamdeep; Dhinojwala, Ali; Joy, Abraham
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials interfaces. Volume 4:Issue 22(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-09-12
• Subjects: catechol polymers -- DOPA polymers -- mussel inspired adhesives -- synthetic polyester adhesives -- underwater hydrophobic polyester adhesives; Materials science -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/admi.201700506
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2196-7350

Abstract

Abstract: Recognizing the potential for synthetic adhesives that can function in wet environments, elements of mussel foot proteins such as L ‐3, 4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) and phosphoserine have been incorporated into synthetic adhesives. Such adhesives have corroborated the advantage of surface active groups like DOPA, but have not yet demonstrated superior performance in wet or underwater environments, without using organic solvents. What has been conspicuously absent from such designs is the effect of hydrophobic components in the performance of underwater adhesives. Herein it is shown that incorporation of hydrophobic groups in low modulus polyester adhesives provides very high lap‐shear strength and resistance to water penetration. In addition to the excellent performance in wet conditions, the designed adhesive can be applied underwater without any solvent, is biodegradable, and is designed from soybean oil, which is a readily available and renewable resource. Abstract : Mussel‐inspired polyesters designed with hydrophobic, catechol, and coumarin pendant groups can be applied underwater without a solvent. The catechol groups provide adhesive interactions while crosslinking through the coumarin groups provides cohesive bonds. The unsaturated aliphatic groups provide a hydrophobic environment that minimizes water penetration into the interface.