Reversible adhesion damping tapes based on layers of liquid crystalline elastomer
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Physics
Abstract
Liquid crystalline elastomers have remarkable vibration damping properties, and the associated surface pressure-sensitive adhesion. The underlying physics relies on the added rotational degrees of freedom, presenting as the nematic director on macroscopic scale or as mobile rod-like mesogens on microscopic scale. The vibrational deformations in the material lose up to 97% of their energy into these rotational modes, resulting in an anomalously high mechanical loss factor in the material. Our analysis and tests established a direct relationship between this loss factor, and the strength of pressure-sensitive adhesion. As this adhesion is entirely based on the physical energy-damping mechanism, there is no chemical residue - nor degradation of the surface properties, suggesting the applicationj as truly reversible self-adhesive 'vibration damping tape' where the reversibility arises on entering and leaving the nematic LC state on heating/cooling. After developing a large library of new materials under ERC AdG 786659, we want to scale up for the industrial application of LCEs as damping adhesive tapes. The science is clear, and is in open press, but the challenge now is to make the transition to industry. For that we work closely with Lohman Tapes Group GmbH in Germany, and a startup Cambridge Smart Plastics Ltd, with the goal to: [a] complete the R&D stage of the tape product for specific Lohmann process and applications, and [b] establish a pilot plant in Brightlands Chemelot incubator campus in The Netherlands, that would work directly with the enduser
industries.
industries.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Eugene Terentjev (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Guo H
(2023)
Mechanism of Pressure-Sensitive Adhesion in Nematic Elastomers.
in Macromolecules
Guo H
(2023)
Momentum transfer on impact damping by liquid crystalline elastomers.
in Scientific reports
Maghsoodi A
(2023)
Softening of the Hertz indentation contact in nematic elastomers
in Extreme Mechanics Letters
Saed M
(2023)
Extrudable Covalently Cross-Linked Thio-Urethane Liquid Crystalline Elastomers
in Advanced Functional Materials
| Description | Adhesive tapes are everywhere, from packaging to electronics and automobiles. But upcoming regulations and environmental concerns pose challenges for the industry. Our research proposes a game-changing solution - a new type of pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) tape that is reusable and environmentally friendly, debonding on demand (DoD). Traditional tapes are single-use and contribute to waste. Our innovation involves a revolutionary material called liquid crystalline elastomer (LCE). This "smart plastic" can switch between a highly sticky state and a smooth, non-adhesive state when heated. It offers multiple-cycle reversible adhesion, allowing for easy removal and reuse. LCE-based DoD tape aligns with UK commitments to sustainability. It is fully recyclable and does not rely on chemical adhesives; this addresses the need for eco-friendly alternatives and upcoming regulations. Our proof-of-concept project has demonstrated outstanding results. We have partnered with industry leaders, Lohmann Tapes and Magna International, to ensure successful commercialization. Intellectual property protection is underway. With over 45 billion square meters of tape produced annually, our solution has significant market potential. By introducing this innovative PSA solution, we can reduce waste, meet regulations, and offer high-performance adhesion for various applications. In summary, our research demonstrates a reusable, environmentally friendly PSA tape using liquid crystalline elastomer to achieve debonding on demand. It's an exciting opportunity for the industry, aligning with sustainability goals and addressing upcoming regulations. By introducing this innovation, we can make a positive impact on both our daily lives and the environment. |
| Exploitation Route | The adhesive tapes market is £50 billion in sales p.a., comparable to the overall adhesives market, evidencing the quite substantial premium that the convenient delivery system and premium functionalities of compound and speciality tapes. Our addressable market can be narrowed down to this premium speciality segment of the pressure sensitive adhesives (PSA) with debonding on demand (DoD). "Specialty Tapes" account for 15% or 6.7 billion sq.m. of the global PSA market. For context, this would fully cover Luxembourg twice. The PSA industry is served by the largest end-users in Medical, Electronics, Automotive, and White Goods (each with ca.1bn sq.m. demand). The products range from mobile phone fascia or battery fasteners to automotive sound deadening, gaskets, seals, etc. to plasters and surgical aids. It surprised this applicant how universal adhesives tapes are. The commodity end of this market is dominated by 3M. Our speciality tapes fit into a more fragmented market with many medium and smaller manufacturers competing and often cornering a market due to an innovation or producing bespoke customer solutions, explaining the interest of Lohmann Tapes (NB: though not a global leader, Lohmann generates £750m+ revenue and group company Lohmann-Rauscher is a major in medical bandages). The UK specifically has an export deficit in polymers and adhesives of £4.6bn, which is dominated by Europe, US and China. This, despite the East of England being a globally recognised advanced materials research hub. In discussions with Lohmann, the addressable market depends entirely on the range of properties we can achieve so it is hard to say. Our intention is to initially prove demand for our reversible DoD adhesive tape through a beach-head market -- initially a single application in biomedical technology. This pilot would prove the scalability of the liquid crystal polymer and enable investment rounds for continued growth. For the stratup company Cambridge Smart Plastics Ltd, who will take this market introduction, as an estimate of our realistic returns, we would seek to collaborate with an internet-of-things widget like the blood sugar sensor mentioned. This device offers us a £4 million addressable market for our pilot. At production meeting just 10% we would see £400k sales, rising if there are international sales ambitions. Making any headway into plasters more generally would represent a game changer as here the UK market consumes 102mn sq.m., and even 0.1% penetration into super premium applications here would be measured in millions. |
| Sectors | Electronics Manufacturing including Industrial Biotechology Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology Transport |
| Description | We have a startup company, Cambridge Smart Plastics Ltd, who are working with us side-by-side, and are taking the market introduction of this LCE technology forward. Their path is only at the beginning, but close interaction and co-development with an adhesive tapes major, Lohman Tapes GmbH, is a reassuring position. |
| First Year Of Impact | 2023 |
| Sector | Electronics,Manufacturing, including Industrial Biotechology,Pharmaceuticals and Medical Biotechnology,Transport |