Light-triggered interface lets adhesive peel cleanly and rebond through 15 cycles

Adhesives are essential in electronics, vehicles and other products, but they can hinder repair and recycling when bonded parts are difficult to separate cleanly. A research team led by The University of Osaka has developed a prototype light-responsive adhesive that can be selectively detached from an illuminated surface without leaving observable residue. The adhesive film can then be rebonded by heating and reused after a second ultraviolet wavelength helps reset its molecular interactions.