Fast-Curing Underwater Adhesive
Tech ID: 33663 / UC Case 2024-951-1
Brief Description
A scalable and less toxic underwater adhesive developed from two small molecule precursors, providing fast and stable adhesion.
Full Description
Researchers at UCI have developed a new underwater adhesive technology that is composed of molecule precursors instead of complicated polymers, making it an efficient and less toxic alternative. The adhesive works by a hydrolysis, condensation, liquid-liquid phase separation, and zwitterionic interaction process, forming a sticky viscoelastic liquid that is tough and acts rapidly. It solidifies under light irradiation, providing stable adhesion within 2 minutes.
Suggested uses
- Use in the medical industry, particularly for emergency wound closures
- Applicable in the watercraft industry for quick repairs
- Potential use in other industries requiring underwater adhesion, such as construction and robotics
Advantages
- Fast and stable bonding
- Less toxicity because it does not require organic solvents
- Easier to scale up due to its simple synthesis process
- Cost-effective compared to polymer-based adhesives
Patent Status
Patent Pending
Contact
- Richard Y. Tun
- tunr@uci.edu
- tel: View Phone Number.
Inventors
- Jo, Hyuna
- Sim, Seunghyun
