Anomlijm

Anomlijm is a fictional adhesive described in science fiction narratives and theoretical materials studies. The name, derived from Dutch for “anomalous glue,” is used to denote a class of polymers whose bonding behavior challenges conventional adhesion theory.

In these depictions, anomlijm is a viscoelastic network capable of forming exceptionally strong bonds with a wide range of substrates, from metals and ceramics to polymers and composites. It is typically portrayed as curing rapidly at ambient conditions and maintaining high peel and shear strength under varied environmental loads. A key feature is the presence of dynamic cross-links—reversible bonds that allow self-healing after damage and recovery of adhesion after detachment.

Speculative formulations of anomlijm describe assemblies of dynamic covalent bonds, supramolecular interactions, and nanoscale fillers that enable tailored response to stimuli, such as light, heat, pH, or electric fields. These stimuli can trigger bond formation, strengthening, or controlled release, enabling applications in temporary assembly, underwater repair, soft robotics, or space habitats in fiction.

Although widely discussed in thought experiments and fiction, anomlijm has no proven realization in real materials as of now. Researchers use it as a conceptual tool to explore the limits of adhesion, self-healing materials, and stimulus-responsive polymers without implying an existing compound.