Shape Memory Polymer‐Based Hook‐and‐Loop Fastener for Robust Bonding and on‐Demand Easy Separation

Inspired by the unique structural design of diaspores of flowering plants, hook‐and‐loop fasteners have been developed to offer strong bonding, reusability, and low maintenance requirements. However, conventional hook‐and‐loop fasteners also require a significant separation force for release. Herein, a 3D hook‐and‐loop fastener made of a shape memory polymer (SMP) is presented. The SMP hook patch with an array of microhooks is fabricated using projection microstereolithography (PμSL) and molding. The robust bonding of the hook‐and‐loop fastener is demonstrated at room temperature, and a significant reduction in separation force when heated, enabling on‐demand easy separation of the hook‐and‐loop fastener through temperature control. Moreover, the deformation of the SMP hooks that occurs during separation can be recovered by heating, allowing for repeated uses. The SMP hook‐and‐loop fastener with tunable bond strength holds great potential for applications in various industrial fields that require easy assembly, robust bonding, and on‐demand release with low separation force.