Mussel-Inspired Underwater Adhesives- from Adhesion Mechanisms to Engineering Applications: A Critical Review

Abstract

Recent progress in the adhesion mechanism of mussels has led to great excitement in the field of adhesive materials. Although great progress has been made in the mussel adhesion mechanism and underwater adhesives, there are still many unknowns and challenges in this area. Thus, it is highly important to review the recent progress in mechanisms of mussel adhesion and mussel-inspired adhesives and predict trends for the future. In this review, we (1) summarize the research progress in fundamental interaction mechanisms in natural mussels; (2) discuss the application of the mussel interaction mechanism in the biomimetic mussel adhesive materials, from permanent/high-strength adhesives to temporary/smart adhesives; (3) briefly state the potential applications of the mussel-inspired adhesives in multiple fields, such as engineering applications, smart robotics and biomedicine; (4) summarize the future perspectives and unsolved challenges of mussel adhesion mechanisms and mussel-inspired adhesive materials. We envision that this review will provide an insightful perspective in understanding the mussel adhesion mechanism and directions to further explore, and promote the development of novel biomimetic mussel adhesive materials.

Exploring Self‐Healing and Switchable Adhesives based on Multi‐Level Dynamic Stable Structure

“…[20] Inspired by the unique adhesion strategies of mussels, significant progress has been made in the design and fabrication of multifunctional switchable adhesives in the past decade. [21,22] However, previous work reported switchable adhesions involved metal-ligand coordination bonds either relied on strong bonds that required an intensive and longtime external stimulus for switching, or weak bonds, that cannot provide sufficient adhesion strength. To date, no reports have yet reported the simultaneous integration of strong and weak metal-ligand coordination bonds into one cross-linked polyurethane system to construct a multifunctional adhesive capable of on-demand, switchable bonding, and autonomous self-healing performances.…”

Effect of Al2O3 particles on the mechanical and wear properties of Al base composites

“…This disruption creates more cracks and allows the virgin metals to extrude along the cracks and toward the opposite composite layers which create metallic bonding, Figure 2. 12–33…”

“…[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8] Nowadays due to having excellent properties such as light density, high mechanical properties, high wear and corrosion resistance aluminum base matrix composites are prevalent in industries similarly as vessels, electrical aerospace and chemical. [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Usually as an emergent reinforcement in aluminum base composites, high hardness value of alumina particles makes it a desirable additive for utilizing. [15][16][17][18][19] Usually several methods are used to fabricate aluminum based composites such as alloying laser techniques, [20][21][22][23][24][25] sputtering and high-energy milling techniques 20 and plasma and high-speed oxygen fuel spray.…”

“…1–8 Nowadays due to having excellent properties such as light density, high mechanical properties, high wear and corrosion resistance aluminum base matrix composites are prevalent in industries similarly as vessels, electrical aerospace and chemical. 7–15 Usually as an emergent reinforcement in aluminum base composites, high hardness value of alumina particles makes it a desirable additive for utilizing. 15–19…”

Healable, Recyclable, and Multifunctional Soft Electronics Based on Biopolymer Hydrogel and Patterned Liquid Metal

“…The former promotes better interfacial contact (and likely energy dissipation at the interface), and the latter facilitates the hydrogel to form noncovalent interaction with other materials. [35] Such moderate adhesiveness is essential for electronic skins by allowing the soft electronics to be attached on the skin without additional adhesives and to be removed without damaging the tissues. [36] Another engaging feature of the HSE is the healability, which is favorable to increase the service lifetime of the electronics even after physical damage.…”