Adhesive Tape Controlled by Light

Feb-17-13 A reusable adhesive controlled by light alone could lead to new types of manufacturing processes.

Developed by AIST, adhesion strength of the organic material can be changed repeatedly simply by shining a light on it. Yellow when solid, the material will liquefy and turn orange when exposed to UV light and will harden again under a green light. The change is caused by an isomerization reaction, and depends upon the amount of light. And because the reaction is caused by light, parts of the material could be attached and removed at will, allowing items to be stuck together and then separated without using force.

Currently, the material’s adhesive strength is about the same as double-sided adhesive tape, which the team is working to improve.

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