Synthesis and Adhesive Property Study of a Mussel-Inspired Adhesive Based on Poly(vinyl alcohol) Backbone

In this study, an effective way is presented to synthesize a mussel-inspired adhesive from two inexpensive commercially available materials: polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid via the esterification reaction and deprotection technology. This bioinspired adhesive exhibits good bonding ability on metal, glass, plastic, and wood, and the maximum bonding strength can be up to 4.0 MPa at dry conditions on glass substrate. Meanwhile, this adhesive can also be used as a wet/underwater adhesive. Such a PVA-based bioinspired adhesive may be used as a potential candidate for applications in industrial field.