próximoades

Próximoades is a neologism in Portuguese-language discussions of materials science that blends pró́ximo (near) with ades (from adesivo, adhesive). It describes adhesive systems that respond to the proximity of two surfaces or to nearby stimuli, enabling adhesion, strengthening, or detachment without sustained mechanical contact.

Currently, there is no widely accepted definition in major glossaries, and usage varies. In speculative or early-stage literature, proximoades may refer to smart adhesives that switch bonding on when surfaces approach within a predetermined gap, such as a few micrometers, or that modify adhesion strength in response to near-field cues like light, electric or magnetic fields, or chemical gradients.

Mechanisms and properties associated with the concept are diverse and not yet standardized. Possible mechanisms include reversible interactions from proximity-induced capillary forces, van der Waals forces, or field-responsive polymer networks. Related properties might include tunable adhesion, rapid switching, reversibility, and compatibility with soft substrates, enabling temporary or reconfigurable bonding.

Applications envisioned for proximoades include assembly processes with contactless bonding, reusable jigs, medical devices that avoid permanent bonding, and soft robotics, where adjustable adhesion can be advantageous. Because proximoades is not a settled term, the exact meaning and scope can vary by author and context, and it remains a topic for further research and clarification.

See also: smart adhesives, responsive materials, reversible adhesion, near-field effects.