Hybrid patch offers 70X stronger adhesion, preventing cracks without traditional chemical adhesives

A breakthrough in hybrid patch technology promises to prevent cracks while maintaining robust adhesion without the use of chemical adhesives. This innovation is anticipated to drive advancements in wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) equipment, and the health care industry.

The research team, led by Professor Hoon Eui Jeong from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UNIST, has developed a "programmable meta patch" technology that effectively prevents cracking over both small and large areas. This technology allows for attachment in specific directions, while maximizing adhesion strength.

These hybrid patches exhibit adhesion that is 70 times stronger than conventional adhesives through the incorporation of hexagonal pillars, tip structures, and nonlinear cutting designs. Since they do not rely on chemical adhesives, they minimize skin irritation and can be reused. They provide effective crack prevention across a range of surface sizes, from micro-scale to macro-scale.

The study is published in the journal Science Advances.

The adhesive patch features a nature-inspired design combined with a kirigami-inspired metastructure, enabling both the strength and direction of adhesion to be adjusted as necessary. While adhesion varies by direction, this adaptability ensures efficient attachment only where needed.

"Existing skin adhesion technologies in bio-health care and wearable devices often cause skin irritation due to chemical adhesives and are difficult to reuse," noted Professor Jeong. "Our reusable adhesion technology significantly reduces skin irritation by applying directional adhesion while maintaining strong adhesion."

Wearable VR devices utilizing these patches adhere securely from all directions while causing minimal irritation to the skin. They also boast high breathability, enhancing user comfort. This accomplishment in overcoming the limitations of existing skin adhesion technology has garnered attention in the biohealthcare sector.

Provided by Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology