High-strength, self-initiated, wide pH range of underwater adhesive suitable for different severe environments

Abstract

Nowadays, the introduction of new monomers, and the construction of new structures to prepare adhesives that can maintain high strength over time on a wide range of substrates as well as in harsh and humid environments are the mainstream research ideas in the development of modern multifunctional adhesives. However, the ensuing problems of complex synthesis, harsh conditions of use (For example, UV light, catalyst, heating, etc.), and excessive industrial costs limit the application of these ideas. Here, the authors report a new super-strong self-initiating underwater adhesive p-formylphenyl acrylate (FPA), which constructs a strong adhesion network via generating radicals from aldehyde groups facilitated by oxygen to initiate olefin polymerization, achieving an average adhesion strength of up to 19.1 MPa on steel substrates. FPA obtained by one-step synthesis has the advantage of being simple to synthesize and use, can self-curing and adhesion to a wide range of substrates, and maintain excellent adhesion strength in a variety of harsh environments. Surprisingly, FPA can perform underwater adhesion procedures in water, simulated seawater, and a wide pH range of water environments with strong underwater adhesion. These environments include almost all water environments and demonstrate the application potential of FPA as a modern multifunctional adhesive for all types of water environments.