In response to the EU’s Right to Repair initiative, Apple has introduced electro-adhesion debonding tape in the iPhone 16 series. This new technology makes it easier for users to access and replace batteries in their iPhones.
Here, we highlight advances in debonding-on-demand (DoD) adhesives, with Apple’s innovation as a key example, and explore their growing role across industries.
Debonding-on-demand (DoD) adhesives form durable bonds that can be separated in a controlled and repeatable manner when necessary. This feature sets them apart from traditional adhesives and supports easy repairs, recycling, and disassembly across different applications.
Debonding of adhesives requires the breaking of bonding compounds between materials. Here are the key processes to soften, weaken, or break down adhesive polymers :
The EU’s Right to Repair directive mandates manufacturers provide affordable repair services. It aims to reduce waste by promoting longer product lifespans and enhancing consumer access to repair options. Consumers will benefit from extended guarantees and easier access to spare parts and repair information.
The directive requires manufacturers to supply tools and spare parts without restricting independent repairs. It encourages EU member states to promote repair options, like vouchers and community repair spaces. Apple is already complying with these rules by making iPhone batteries user-replaceable.
In previous iPhone models, the battery was typically glued to the phone’s frame with a strong adhesive. This made battery removal extremely challenging and time-consuming.
Apple has introduced an electrically-released tape adhesive in the iPhone 16, which bonds the battery to the phone’s frame. While the tape maintains a strong bond, it can be easily released by applying a small voltage (between 9V-12V for 60 seconds).
Once released, the battery can be removed without force or any adhesive residue. This streamlines the repair process and reduces the risk of damage during disassembly.
Beyond regulatory compliance, Apple’s use of debonding adhesives offers clear advantages. Here’s why this technology is valuable for enhancing efficiency:
Beyond Apple, other recent advancements in debonding-on-demand adhesives are emerging. Each offers unique capabilities for material separation and rebonding.
Tesa SE is rumored to supply Apple with electric adhesion DoD tape. Tesa produces DoD adhesive solutions for the automotive, electronics, construction, and healthcare industries.
One example is tesa® Bond & Detach, used for display mounting, ADAS components, and EV systems. The tape can be removed with solvent or physical manipulation. It combines pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) with elastomeric materials and works on metals, plastics, glass, and high-value components.
The Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Technology and Advanced Materials (IFAM) has developed a DoD adhesive that releases upon exposure to electricity and heat.
The adhesive bond can be detached by applying direct current (48 V) and Heat (65 °C). After the treatment, the adhesively bonded joint is significantly weakened, with a residual strength of 0.1 N/mm². The DoD adhesive can be applied to metals, plastics, and other materials suitable for adhesive bonding.
The Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST) has developed an intumescent flame-retardant epoxy, a thermally activated adhesive.
It uses melamine polyphosphate (MPP) and ammonium polyphosphate (APP) additives to enable debonding. Both additives swell and foam under heat, creating pressure that forms cracks for easy disassembly. The epoxy-based adhesive suits aluminum, fiber-reinforced polymers, thermoplastics, and multi-material structures.
INDAR is a thermally activated debonding-on-demand (DoD) adhesive developed by RESCOLL.
The bond can be weakened or dismantled with heat and is compatible with metals, plastics, and composites. This technology aims to improve the repairability index of bonded structures. Since January 1, 2021, devices sold in France, such as smartphones and tablets, must display a repairability index to help consumers assess ease of repair.
Researchers at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia, are developing rapid debonding. The contactless, rapid debonding and rebonding technology integrates magnetic particles into a plastic adhesive. This enables quick heating while maintaining bonding strength.
By incorporating ferrimagnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4) into a poly(ethylene-methacrylic acid) (EMAA) adhesive, it can self-heat without losing lap shear strength. Originally designed for carbon fiber composites, it has potential applications in automotive and aerospace with other materials.
Debonding adhesives are gaining traction across industries due to their sustainable properties. Their ability to bond and separate materials efficiently makes them ideal for applications in sectors like automotive, electronics, and construction.
Figure 1. The study highlights the application of DoD adhesives, focusing on their use across various substrates in two key industries: electronics and automotive.
Debonding-on-demand technology is more than just a response to regulations—it’s a strategic investment for circular economy and customer trust. Traditional adhesives make disassembly difficult, limiting recyclability and increasing waste. In contrast, debonding adhesives enable the separation of materials, improving recyclability and reducing environmental impact.
From 2020 to 2023, interest in this field has surged, with approximately 1,302 academic papers published and around 1,611 patents registered during the same period. This reflects significant progress and industry commitment to advancing DoD technology.
Adopting debonding-on-demand technology can be an alternative approach to signal to clients that the industry actively supports a greener future, strengthening both brand loyalty and environmental responsibility.
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