Effortless separation of transparent adhesive films using phase-change core-shell nanocapsules

Abstract

Effortless separation without damage to the substrates is highly advantageous for the recovery and recycling of expensive electronic components in display devices. In this study, we present an approach for separating transparent adhesive films from substrates using phase-change core-shell nanocapsules. The nanocapsules are prepared from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) nanoparticles via the encapsulation of methylcyclohexane (MCH). The evaporated MCHs facilitated the detachment of adhesive films through micro-bubble generation after thermal treatment, leading to the effortless separation of the adhesive layer. The newly fabricated adhesive film with phase-change nanocapsules resulted in high transmittance, with an excellent debonding efficiency after thermal treatment.