Researchers have developed a novel class of super-adhesive hydrogels, capable of maintaining exceptional stickiness in demanding wet environments, including saltwater. This breakthrough, detailed in Nature, leverages a data-driven approach that combines biological inspiration (data mining natural adhesive proteins) with artificial intelligence (machine learning) to design materials with unprecedented adhesive strength. These new hydrogels, exhibiting over 1 megapascal (MPa) of adhesion strength underwater – approximately "10 times stronger than most soft, sticky materials under the same conditions" – hold significant promise for diverse applications in "biomedical engineering, deep-sea exploration," and industrial repair. Listen to today's episode of Adhesion Matters to learn more about the connection with ducks.

This episode of Adhesion Matters examines the critical and evolving role of adhesives in the medical device industry, highlighting key technological advancements, market trends, and the strategic contributions of leading manufacturers. Adhesives have transitioned from simple bonding agents to indispensable functional components, enabling miniaturization, digital integration, and patient-centric designs. The industry is driven by stringent regulatory requirements, economic pressures, and a growing focus on sustainability. Manufacturers are providing comprehensive, high-performance adhesive solutions, coupled with technical expertise and integrated systems, to meet these complex demands and accelerate innovation in healthcare technology.

The art of cinematic disguise has been revolutionized by hyper-realistic silicone masks, which are now the gold standard for on-screen identity alteration, notably in the Mission: Impossible franchise. These masks are the result of a complex interplay between traditional artistry and advanced material science. Silicone's unique properties—including exceptional flexibility, tear resistance, dimensional stability, and biocompatibility—make it far superior to older materials like latex or gelatin, enabling masks to move naturally with an actor's expressions and withstand repeated use. While Mission: Impossible films depict instantaneous 3D printing of masks, the real-world process is a meticulous, multi-stage endeavor involving conceptualization, lifecasting, sculpting, mold making, and sophisticated casting and finishing techniques. Companies like Zhermack are crucial suppliers of specialized RTV-2 silicone resins and alginates that are foundational to achieving this unparalleled realism and durability.

This episode of Adhesion Matters highlights the Top 10 most influential visionaries in the global adhesives industry. These ten leading figures are currently shaping the global adhesives sector through their leadership in major corporations, strategic decisions, and impact on market direction, innovation, and sustainability. Their collective efforts highlight a significant transformation within the industry, driven by visionary leadership and strategic advancements, with a strong focus on sustainability and high-performance applications. These 10 influential figures are not merely responding to current market demands but are actively anticipating and shaping the next generation of adhesive technologies. Their contributions are vital for sectors ranging from advanced electronics and electric vehicles to sustainable packaging and construction, ensuring the adhesives industry remains a critical enabler of global progress and innovation.

The global adhesives and sealants market is a robust and expanding sector within the chemical industry, projected to grow from $85.38 billion in 2025 to $114.94 billion by 2030, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 6%. This growth is driven by increasing demand for high-performance bonding solutions, which are displacing traditional mechanical fasteners in key areas like lightweighting in vehicles, automated e-commerce packaging, and modular construction. In today's episode of Adhesion Matters, we cover the mergers & acquisitions activities of this industry over the past 50 years. The industry currently exhibits robust M&A activity with increasing valuation multiples, reflecting its resilience and growth potential. Future consolidation, according to our sources, is expected to target independent manufacturers with niche specializations, technological advantages, strong positions in high-growth end-markets, or unique geographic access.

In this episode, we study why Henkel's TECHNOMELT is the preeminent global brand in hot melt adhesives (HMAs), a class of thermoplastic adhesives that solidify upon cooling to form robust bonds. Key to their widespread adoption is their solvent-free composition, which enables exceptionally rapid curing times, mitigates the risk of substrate warping, and significantly reduces or eliminates volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions. This inherent efficiency and environmental compatibility position TECHNOMELT as a cornerstone technology in modern industrial bonding applications. The success of TECHNOMELT is built on continuous innovation, operational efficiency, and a comprehensive portfolio that caters to diverse production processes and end products. Henkel prioritizes superior cost-in-use and ease of application, incorporating sustainable and bio-based formulations that adhere to global regulatory standards.

Thank you for listening to the Adhesion Matters podcast. The widespread adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) hinges on advancements in lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology, particularly concerning energy density and safety. Thermal runaway, an uncontrollable self-heating state in Li-ion cells, poses a significant safety risk, capable of escalating into widespread fires. Advanced adhesive solutions are crucial for mitigating this risk, serving as multi-functional components for thermal management, electrical insulation, structural integrity, and fire safety. These materials not only prevent thermal events but also contain their propagation. Both liquid adhesives (epoxies, silicones, polyurethanes, acrylics) and adhesive tapes contribute uniquely, tailored for specific applications within the battery pack. During this special episode, we discuss how the industry emphasizes meticulous material selection, collaborative partnerships, and continuous innovation for future EV battery safety and performance.

This episode of Adhesion Matters examines the indispensable and evolving role of advanced adhesive technologies in the watchmaking industry. Historically, watchmaking relied on mechanical fastening and natural glues like shellac. However, driven by demands for thinner profiles, lighter materials, enhanced water resistance, and integrated electronics (especially in smartwatches), the industry has significantly transitioned to synthetic adhesives. These modern chemical compounds offer superior sealing, the ability to bond dissimilar materials, even stress distribution, and design flexibility that mechanical fasteners cannot match. Key adhesive chemistries employed include epoxies (for structural bonding and jewel setting), silicones (for case sealing, electronics protection, and vibration damping), polyurethanes (for structural and waterproof sealing), cyanoacrylates (for rapid assembly), and UV-curable adhesives (for precise crystal bonding). Specialized products like threadlockers, dial adhesives, and surface modification coatings further enhance performance. While offering significant advantages in design, performance, and manufacturing efficiency, adhesive bonding presents challenges, particularly regarding meticulous surface preparation, controlled curing, long-term durability under environmental stress, and the critical issue of repairability and recyclability due to the permanent nature of many modern bonds. This tension between performance and sustainability will shape future adhesive innovations in horology.