Researchers have developed an innovative hybrid patch that prevents cracks and offers 70 times stronger adhesion than traditional adhesives—without using any chemical adhesives.
This breakthrough is expected to impact wearable devices, virtual reality (VR) equipment, and healthcare technologies.
Led by Professor Hoon Eui Jeong from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at UNIST, the team created what they call a “programmable meta patch.”
This patch has a special design that allows it to attach securely in specific directions while maintaining excellent adhesion strength.
It also helps stop cracks from forming, whether on small or large surfaces.
The key to this technology lies in its unique design.
The researchers combined hexagonal pillars, tip structures, and non-linear cutting techniques. This combination offers high flexibility and strong attachment capabilities.
Unlike conventional chemical adhesives, which can cause skin irritation and are not reusable, these hybrid patches avoid such problems. Instead, they provide a durable and reusable solution with no skin irritation, making them ideal for sensitive applications.
The team’s findings were published in the scientific journal Science Advances.
Inspired by nature and the Japanese paper-cutting art of kirigami, this adhesive patch can be programmed to adapt to different directions and strengths as needed.
It sticks firmly only where necessary, making it efficient and reducing unnecessary contact with the skin.
Professor Jeong explained the problem with current technologies: “Existing skin adhesion technologies in bio-healthcare and wearable devices often cause skin irritation due to chemical adhesives and are difficult to reuse.”
He emphasized that their new reusable patch reduces skin irritation while maintaining strong adhesion by focusing on directional attachment.
One major advantage of this patch is its suitability for wearable devices like VR headsets. These devices often require firm attachment from multiple directions, which can cause discomfort or irritation when using traditional adhesives.
The hybrid patch not only sticks securely from all directions but also allows the skin to breathe, making it more comfortable for users.
This new approach to adhesion technology is attracting interest in the bio-healthcare industry due to its ability to overcome limitations faced by current adhesive solutions.
By offering strong, reusable, and irritation-free adhesion, the programmable meta patch opens new possibilities for wearables, medical devices, and even everyday applications.
The combination of strength, flexibility, and comfort offered by this patch makes it a promising solution for the future of wearable technology and healthcare innovations.
