Dynamically Crosslinking Bio-Inspired Adhesives with High Bond Strength and Multi-Environmental Adaptability for Ultra-Low Temperature Adhesion

Wood-based composite materials exhibit significant potential for applications in complex environments such as polar house construction and offshore oil engineering. Excellent wood adhesives are crucial for the weather resistance, structural toughness, and environmental performance of wooden products. However, traditional adhesives suffer from poor water resistance, toxic residue, and reliance on high-temperature press curing. Inspired by the crosslinking of bird nest proteins, this study modifies carboxylated styrene-butadiene latex through in situ epoxidation, converting non-polar double bonds into highly reactive groups. By combining multi-amino prepolymers, modified silica, and epoxy-modified emulsion, a dual physical-chemical crosslinking system is constructed, resulting in the development of a cold-press adhesive. The material demonstrates excellent dry/wet shear strength (4.03/1.96 MPa) and debonding work (2.47 J), with a minimal strength loss of less than 7% across extreme temperature ranges (−196 to 85 °C) and significantly improved low-temperature brittleness (−196 °C strength retention at 3.67 MPa). Additionally, it exhibits long-lasting solvent resistance (70% strength retention after 36 days of immersion) as well as flame-retardant properties. Based on these excellent properties, wood adhesives designed for heat-free bonding are expected to be used in a variety of complex environments, including polar house construction, deep-sea oil extraction, and space applications.