Biomimetic Adhesive Copolymer Strength via NH4Cl Curing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing adhesive compositions lack the necessary strength and durability, particularly in biomimetic copolymer systems emulating mussel adhesive proteins, which are essential for high-performance applications.

Innovation Solution

A biomimetic adhesive composition comprising a copolymer of dopamine methacrylamide or 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine with an alkyl acrylate monomer, combined with NH4Cl and cured at specific temperature and humidity conditions, enhances adhesive strength.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional adhesive compositions are used, then the adhesive formulation is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adhesive strength is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidadhesive composition complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs composite materials by combining multiple functional components: biomimetic copolymer (providing adhesion), NH4Cl (providing ionic crosslinking and strength), and specific curing agents. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by achieving high adhesive strength through synergistic material interaction while maintaining reasonable formulation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by optimizing curing conditions (temperature: 75-85°C, humidity: 85-95%) and adjusting the concentration of NH4Cl (0.01-0.3 wt%). These parameter optimizations enable the adhesive to achieve high strength while controlling the complexity of the formulation and curing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If biomimetic copolymer systems are used to emulate mussel adhesive proteins, then adhesive strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent simplifies the manufacturing of biomimetic copolymer systems by optimizing polymerization parameters and curing conditions. By controlling curing temperature (75-85°C) and humidity (85-95%), the process becomes more manageable while maintaining the high strength properties of the biomimetic copolymer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces NH4Cl as an intermediary substance that facilitates the curing process and enhances adhesive strength. This mediator simplifies the overall manufacturing process by providing a clear mechanism for crosslinking and strength enhancement without requiring complex multi-step procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If NH4Cl is added to enhance adhesive strength, then peel test measurements show improved strength, but the formulation precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesive strengthVSAvoidformulation precision
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent establishes optimal parameter ranges for NH4Cl concentration (0.01-0.3 wt%) and curing conditions (75-85°C, 85-95% humidity). By defining these ranges, the patent achieves high adhesive strength while providing flexibility in formulation and processing, thereby reducing the stringency of precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The described adhesive composition achieves significantly improved adhesive strength, as demonstrated by peel test measurements, with optimal results at specific concentrations of NH4Cl and curing conditions.

Implementation Method 1

adhesive compositions based on biomimetic copolymer systems (e.g., adhesive compositions emulating mustel adhesive proteins)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectBiomimetic adhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

curing the adhesive at a curing temperature of between 75° C. and 85° C. under 85-95% relative humidity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11130886B2Adhesives
Publication Date: 2021.09.28 PURDUE RES FOUND
  • US11130886B2 patent drawing
  • US11130886B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are adhesive compositions comprising copolymers having biomimetic cross-linkable monomers derived from mussel adhesive proteins. Also provided are methods of curing the adhesive compositions, methods of manufacturing the adhesive compositions, and devices comprising the adhesive compositions.