Professor Kimoon Kim (CHEM) and Youngjoo Ahn (CHEM Ph.D.) successfully invented a new ad- hesive element using a strong bonding force of Cucurbituril and ferr- ocene, which can be used under water and also as a medical adhesive.
In the past, most adhesive components not only contained noxious materials but also had a drastically decreased in strength when they contacted water. In order to overcome this limitation, Prof. Kim applied the chemical bonding force of Curcurbiturilto the Velcro. This new Velcro can hold 2kg under water and 4kg in the air, which is 14 times stronger than conventional Velcro. Also, this supramolecular Velcro can be used several times, just like ordinary Velcro.
This technology is expected to be utilized in a variety of fields, such as the bandage in water, medical adhesives and underwater fixing machines. Recognized as a notable achievement, Prof. Kim’s work was chosen as a back cover of Angewandte Chemie, a worldwide prestigious publication in the field of Chemistry.