Untying the knot: A Fully Recyclable, Solvent-Free, Wide-Spectral Photocurable Thermoset Adhesive

Adhesives are crucial in industries ranging from aerospace to consumer electronics, yet their reliance on non-recyclable polymers presents significant environmental and economic challenges. Despite progress in dynamic and reversible chemistries, current solutions often compromise either performance or sustainability. This study proposes a solvent-free, radiation-curable adhesive that addresses these limitations by combining rapid curing within 30 seconds under a wide range of visible wavelengths (400–700 nm) and demonstrates constant adhesion strength across diverse substrates. Recycling is achieved using a simple household microwave, obviating the need for solvents or elevated temperatures while maintaining the adhesive’s performance over multiple cycles. Furthermore, the adhesive’s optical transparency and high refractive index enable its use in various optical applications, whereas its robustness in wet conditions expands its potential for bioadaptive or underwater systems. This adhesive represents an innovative and significant step toward sustainable adhesives that seamlessly integrate high performance with circular economy principles.