Lijmbinding

Lijmbinding is a concept in materials science and surface chemistry that describes a reversible, glue-like adhesion between a prepared polymer film and a substrate or between discrete objects. The term is derived from the Dutch word lijm, meaning glue, and is used to distinguish this mode of binding from covalent tethering or purely physical adsorption. The concept emerged in theoretical and experimental work during the 2010s as researchers explored controllable, reversible interfaces for soft matter and microfabrication.

It relies on a ternary interface in which a functional adhesive layer, often a polymer with pendant binding groups, interacts with the target surface through multiple non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic contacts, and electrostatic attractions. Binding strength can be tuned by polymer chain length, crosslink density, and the density and type of binding moieties (for example catechol, boronic acid, or carboxylate groups). Reversibility is achieved by altering external conditions (pH, temperature, ionic strength, light) to weaken the net interactions or to trigger dissociation. Definitions and preferred implementations vary across studies.

Common implementations involve surface- grafted or thin-film adhesives on one partner and a compatible binding surface on the other. Analytical techniques used to study lijmbinding include quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation, atomic force microscopy, and contact-angle measurements.

Potential applications span reversible assembly in microelectromechanical systems, biointerfaces that require gentle attachment and release, and programmable adhesives for reconfigurable soft robots. The idea remains a topic of ongoing research and debate, with challenges including long-term stability, selectivity, and fatigue under repeated cycling.