Activated by water quickly, dry hydrogel film adhesive produces a strong and reversible adhesion.

Adhesives are used in numerous applications in our daily lives. In general, adhesives are either strong but irreversible or weak but reversible. There is a need for stronger and reversible adhesives. One potential solution is a formulation of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and boric acid (BA), which is capable of high strength and reversible, but so far is limited by long drying time and susceptibility to water solvation.

The current invention is a PVA/BA adhesive formulation that can quickly bond to surfaces with water after it has been prepared dry. This formulation is water-resistant at low volumes, and this resistance can be improved further by the addition of phenylboronic acid (PBA). Adhesion is reversed by rehydration without the addition of PBA.

The present technology is a hydrogel formulation with dynamic covalent bonds using poly (vinyl alcohol) and boric acid. Both components are commercially available. The hydrogel is dried before use and activated with water. Hydration results in a softened surface that makes close contact with the surface. At body temperature, the water quickly evaporates resulting in a strong adhesion to the surface.

• A few seconds to a few minutes to apply or remove, makes this much faster than current technologies
• Strong adhesion comparable to current technologies
• Reversible by water
• Adding phenylboronic acid increases water resistance to up to 7 days underwater or in the human body