会社のニュース TetraALA: A perfect combination of visible light curing and microwave debonding

TetraALA: A perfect combination of visible light curing and microwave debonding

  In the field of materials science, adhesives have always played a key role as bridges connecting dissimilar materials. However, traditional thermosetting adhesives often face two major challenges: the curing process requires ultraviolet light or high temperatures, which may damage the substrate; and once cured, they are difficult to recycle, resulting in environmental pollution and waste of resources.

  In 2025, a dynamic polymer called TetraALA was developed. It cleverly combines visible light curing with microwave debonding, achieving not only fast and gentle bonding but also efficient recycling. This innovation, derived from the ring-opening polymerization and depolymerization properties of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), marks a new milestone in sustainable material design.

  The full name TetraALA comes from its four-arm structure (Tetra) and its origin in alpha-lipoic acid (ALA). ALA is a naturally occurring carboxylic acid compound containing a cyclic disulfide bond and is commonly used in health supplements. However, in this study, scientists converted it into a multifunctional monomer. Using a one-pot synthesis method, the researchers esterified ALA with pentaerythritol using tin(II) chloride as a catalyst and triethylamine (TEA) as a co-catalyst in a mixed solvent of  1,4-dioxane. This process requires no complex purification, as the reaction is carried out in an open system, allowing for easy removal of volatile components (such as solvents with boiling points below 160°C). Nuclear magnetic resonance (1H-NMR) and infrared spectroscopy (ATR-IR) analysis confirmed complete conversion of the pentaerythritol hydroxyl group, although a small amount of unesterified ALA carboxylate remained.

  The greatest advantage of this synthesis method is its environmental friendliness: the raw materials are readily available and inexpensive (e.g., ALA is affordable), the entire process is solvent-free, and the final product is a transparent glass with a glass transition temperature (Tg) of approximately 37°C. This ensures that TetraALA remains solid at room temperature, making it easy to store and transport. Compared to the complex, multi-step synthesis of traditional adhesives, TetraALA's one-pot process significantly reduces production costs and environmental impact, embodying the design principles of a circular economy.

  TetraALA's core innovation lies in its broad-spectrum visible light curing capability. It rapidly cures within the visible light range of 400-650nm, achieving a conversion rate of 92.7% ± 2.7% in just 30 seconds. The curing mechanism is based on free radical ring-opening polymerization: a photoinitiator absorbs visible light to generate free radicals, which open the cyclic disulfide bonds of ALA, forming a cross-linked network.

  TetraALA represents a shift in materials science towards "intelligent dynamism": no longer static, disposable materials, but rather living materials that respond to external stimuli. This will not only revolutionize manufacturing but also potentially inspire AI-assisted material design upgrades and promote more efficient resource utilization. Overall, this innovation is worthy of promotion, but its commercial potential needs to be verified through large-scale testing.