Abstract: A method of reversible bonding based on deposition of a coating capable of an indefinite number of reversible bonding cycles as enable by bond exchange reactions is provided. This is accomplished by deposition of crosslinkable aromatic polyester oligomers on a substrate. The coated article is heated to produce a fully thermoset network by condensation reactions. The fully thermoset network has access to a type of bond exchange reaction within the resin that permits the dynamic exchange of ester bonds within the resin. To execute the bonding step a source of heat is applied at a pressure. To debond, there is applied force in tension and/or shear that causes the coating to fail. The reversibility of the process is contingent on the cohesive (rather than adhesive) failure of the coating—that is, the coating must not delaminate from the substrate. Failure must occur in the resin of the reversible coating.

Abstract: A method of reversible bonding based on deposition of a coating capable of an indefinite number of reversible bonding cycles as enable by bond exchange reactions is provided. This is accomplished by deposition of crosslinkable aromatic polyester oligomers on a substrate. The coated article is heated to produce a fully thermoset network by condensation reactions. The fully thermoset network has access to a type of bond exchange reaction within the resin that permits the dynamic exchange of ester bonds within the resin. To execute the bonding step a source of heat is applied at a pressure. To debond, there is applied force in tension and/or shear that causes the coating to fail. The reversibility of the process is contingent on the cohesive (rather than adhesive) failure of the coating—that is, the coating must not delaminate from the substrate. Failure must occur in the resin of the reversible coating.