Reusable dismantlable adhesion interfaces induced by photodimerization and thermo/photocleavage reactions

Controlling adhesion strength during and after the use of bonded materials is crucial. Dismantlable adhesives play important roles in material recycling. However, typical dismantlable adhesives rely on the bulk properties of the adhesive, and specific control of dismantling behavior is challenging. Here, we successfully demonstrated the reusability of a dismantlable adhesion interface system, in which a cleavable molecular layer forms at the adhesion interface through reversible dimerization and cleavage reactions of anthracene. The adhesion peel test was conducted repeatedly by forming a cleavable layer on the substrate surface of the specimens. Strong bonding in the initial state and easy dismantling after stimulation were achieved even in the reused layer. Our strategy for constructing a dismantlable adhesion interface holds promise in material recycling. Overview of the reusable dismantlable adhesion interface system. Heating induces a cleavage reaction of the anthracene photodimer in the molecular layer at the adhesion interface, and the anthracene monomer remains on the substrate surface of the peeled specimen. Photoirradiation to the cleaved molecular layer induces the photodimerization of anthracenes, and the materials exhibit strong adhesion at the adhesion interface.