CONGRESOS, CURSOS Y CONFERENCIAS
Profesor Jonathan Wilker, de Purdue University (Lafayette, Indiana, USA): «Looking to the seas for development of biomimetic and sustainable adhesives»
Seminario INMA: Jonathan Wilker
13th May 2025, 12:30, Salón de Grados, Facultad de Ciencias, Edificio A, Campus San Francisco
Prof. Jonathan Wilker, from the Purdue University (Lafayette, Indiana, USA)
Talk: «Looking to the seas for development of biomimetic and sustainable adhesives»
Mussels, barnacles, oysters, starfish, and urchins are examples of the many organisms generating adhesive matrices for affixing themselves to the sea floor. Our laboratory is characterizing these biological materials, designing synthetic polymer mimics, and developing applications. Mimics of bioadhesives begin with the chemistry learned from characterization studies and incorporate the key chemistry into synthetic polymers. Adhesion strengths of these new polymers rival those of cyanoacrylate “super glues.” Underwater bonding is also appreciable.
Current petroleum-based adhesives hold together our electronics, cars, walls, furniture, and packaging. The permanent nature of such bonds prevents separation and these products go to landfills when use is complete. Recently we have been using chemistry from sea creatures to develop high performance adhesives from fully sustainable feedstocks. Starting materials are available on large scales, costs are low, and calculations indicate that, overall, these materials are carbon negative. Biomimetic adhesives are becoming ready to impact a future of sustainably sourced materials.
For more info of the seminar and CV of Prof. J. Wilker, please click here.
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