Photo-triggered Sustainable Adhesive Based on Itaconic Acid
Farah Hidayah Jamaludin, Noor Izyan Syazana Mohd Yusoff, Hagid Chida, Xuxu Yang, Tuck‐Whye Wong, Haofei Zhou, Tiefeng Li, Li Wang, Pei Sean Goh, Ahmad Fauzi Ismail
Abstract
Photoadhesives have been beneficial for a plethora of applications due to advantages in spatiotemporal control, flexible operating temperature, and in situ applicability. As a sustainable approach, bio-based precursors have been applied for the production of photoadhesives. However, the use of toxic chemicals and incorporation of petroleum-based chemicals in the synthesis process is inevitable. In this study, a photocurable itaconic acid-based polyester, poly(1,3-propanediol-co-citrate-co-itaconate-co-1,12-dodecanedioate) (IAP), was developed from bio-based precursors through a facile, catalyst-free, and solvent-free polycondensation process without use of toxic chemicals. Ultraviolet (UV)-triggered photocross-linking in the presence of a photoinitiator was found to induce adhesion capability in IAP. With 30 min of UV exposure, IAP presented an adhesion strength of 1286.0 ± 19.2 kPa against acrylic substrates. Remarkable adhesion strengths to stainless steel, wood, glass, and polytetrafluoroethylene substrates were also achieved. Due to photo-induced reduction in hydrophilicity of IAP, the polymer was able to repel water at the adhesive–substrate interface upon in situ underwater photocuring, leading to successful wet adhesion. Subsequently, excellent photo-adhesion was also obtained from in situ photocuring of IAP in seawater, simulated body fluid, and silicon oil. This study provides insights into the development of a photo-enhanced and versatile adhesive through green engineering.