Affixide

Affixide is a fictional chemical compound class used in theoretical discussions and speculative fiction to illustrate adhesion principles. In this context, affixide denotes a polyfunctional molecule designed to bind to diverse substrates via covalent or strong noncovalent interactions, enabling surface attachment that can be tuned by external stimuli.

The name combines affix, indicating attachment, with the common chemical suffix -ide, signaling a discrete molecular species.

Affixide is described as having a multi-armed architecture with a rigid core and multiple reactive sites that can be functionalized to tailor adhesion strength, thermal stability, and processability. Some fictional variants are depicted as stimuli-responsive, enhancing bonding under heat or light and permitting detachment under specific solvent or electric-field conditions.

In the imagined literature, affixide is produced through a sequence of modular coupling reactions, without providing a real-world protocol. It serves as a design framework for studying interfacial chemistry in coatings and composites.

Proposed applications include reversible adhesives for electronics assembly, repair coatings for aerospace and automotive uses, and surface-modifying agents to improve wetting and adhesion on difficult substrates.

As a fictional entity, safety guidance varies by author, but in-universe discussions commonly note potential irritants and environmental persistence, underscoring the need for proper handling in teaching or speculative projects.