Having thoroughly studied the chemical structure of ordinary household plastic, scientists from Oak Ridge National Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy have managed to turn it into a reusable glue with unique properties. A 1 cm2 area with a few drops of the substance can hold 136 kilograms of weight. According to the researchers, this is one of the strongest materials known to science.

To create the new heavy-duty adhesive, the researchers have used polystyrene-b-poly (ethylene-co-butylene)-b-polystyrene (SEBS), a rubber polymer, and endowed it with new properties by changing its chemical structure using a process known as dynamic crosslinking. It allows normally incompatible materials to be joined together. With its help scientists added silica nanoparticles and complex esters of boronic acidAmerican researchers have created the world’s strongest glue from recycled plastic, resulting in a new composite material, which they called SiNP. Boron esters are the key to reusing adhesives because they allow for the repeated formation and breakage of “cross-linked” bonds. The work was published in the journal Science Advances.

“A fundamental discovery was that boronic acid esters on SEBS can rearrange bonds with hydroxyl groups – oxygen and hydrogen – on SiNPs to adapt properties to perform complex tasks. We also found the formation of similar reversible bonds of the boronic acid ester to various surfaces that have hydroxyl groups,” noted Anisur Rahman, MD, lead author of the study.

The glue is also recyclable and retains its properties even at 204 degrees Celsius. Scientists believe that their development will be useful in the aerospace, automotive and construction industries. They are working to improve the technology and expect to commercialize it soon.