Invention:
Researchers at the University of Arizona have developed an epoxy which reverts to a liquid upon application of heat. This epoxy is colorless and contains liquid precursors, which can be mixed at room temperature, making it an ideal adhesive for art conservation. This invention solves the issue of irreversibility in epoxy adhesives.
Background:
Epoxies are desirable materials because of their high strength and resistance to temperature and humidity fluctuations, but cannot be removed after cure. Issues with previously synthesized, thermally reversible epoxies include high viscosity, solid precursors, and a tinted final product. This new epoxy solves such issues by incorporating siloxane bonds, thus producing a material with low viscosity, liquid precursors, and a colorless final product.
Applications:
- Adhesive for art or archaeological materials which, require colorless, reversible adhesives
- Mold for encapsulating electronic devices
- Molds or fills for colorless art objects (glassware, polymeric materials)
- Consolidation adhesive for stone or ceramic cultural heritage
Advantages:
- Reverses from a solid, intractable adhesive to a liquid, easily removable material
- Liquid, low viscosity precursors which can be mixed at room temperature
- Colorless final product
- Maintains high levels of strength after being reversed several times
Status: issued U.S. patent #10,647,810
