Reversible adhesive for artificial nail adherence and removal
A water-based, reversible adhesive designed for artificial nails, utilizing commodity materials and emulsion polymerization. It offers robust adhesion and can be easily removed with an alkaline solution. Ideal for cost-effective and sustainable nail applications.
Overview
The reversible adhesive is a novel water-based formulation designed for artificial nail adherence, utilizing commodity materials and industry-standard emulsion polymerization. This innovative solution provides robust adhesion comparable to other water-based adhesives, with an added advantage of reversibility. The adhesive can be easily removed by immersing the adhered surfaces in an alkaline solution, making it ideal for artificial nail applications where easy removal is desired. The use of butyl acrylate, styrene, acrylic acid, and montmorillonite ensures that the cost remains low while maintaining high performance.
Technical specifications
- Adhesion strength: Industry standard lap shear strengths of up to 2 MPa, similar to white glue formulations.
- Materials used: Butyl acrylate, styrene, acrylic acid, and montmorillonite (clay).
- Application method: Can be sprayed or painted onto substrates.
- Reversibility: Adhesion can be reversed using an alkaline solution; a version reversible in acidic solutions is also viable.
- Sustainability: Potential to develop formulations without petrochemical monomers.
Technology readiness level
This adhesive technology has reached Technology Readiness Level 4, indicating that it has been tested on a wide variety of substrates and is considered to have industry-standard adhesion properties. Future validation and optimization of the adhesive for artificial nail applications are planned, including testing under day-to-day wear conditions and exploring alternative formulations for enhanced performance.
About Newcastle University
Newcastle University is a comprehensive public research university in Newcastle upon Tyne, with broad academic and translational activity. Its city‑centre Newcastle Helix innovation district—developed with Newcastle City Council and Legal & General—co‑locates researchers with companies and hosts national innovation centres to enable fast collaboration. Deep integration with Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, supported by a joint research office, enables streamlined study setup, access to clinical populations, and end‑to‑end clinical translation. Research is backed by competitive funding from UKRI councils, the National Institute for Health and Care Research, major charities, the European Union, and industry. A dedicated technology transfer office supports IP, licensing, spinouts, and knowledge‑transfer partnerships.
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