Dry glue
Dry glue is an adhesion product based upon the adaptations of geckos' feet that allow them to climb sheer surfaces such as vertical glass. Synthetic equivalents use carbon nanotubes as synthetic setae on reusable adhesive patches.
Background
A gecko can hang on a glass surface using only one toe. This ability is attributed to van der Waals force,[1][2] although a more recent study suggests that water molecules of roughly monolayer thickness (present on virtually all natural surfaces) also play a role.[3]
Developments
In 2007, researchers from the
In 2008 researchers from the University of Dayton reported a gecko glue capable of supporting 100N/cm2, ten times the strength generated by a gecko's foot. The research also used carbon nanotubes, but included a curled end which allowed stronger binding but easy removal.[5] Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has a project called "Z-Man" that is attempting to develop a fabric allowing soldiers to scale vertical walls while carrying a full combat load.[6] In February 2012 Nitto Denko developed a version of gecko tape capable of sticking at temperatures between -150 and 500°C.[7]
See also
- Gecko adhesion
- Gecko tape
- Synthetic setae
References
- ^ "Researchers discover how geckos know when to hold tight". Archived from the original on 2010-06-11. Retrieved 2009-11-08.
- PMID 12198184.
- PMID 16260737.
- PMID 17578915.
- S2CID 9597020.
- ^ Goodman, M. "Z-man". DARPA. Archived from the original on 2012-08-06. Retrieved 2012-07-27.
- ^ "Nitto Denko's "Gecko Tape" achieves precise, contamination-free analysis service in the -150- 500°C range" (Press release). Nitto Denko. 2012-02-24. Retrieved 2012-07-27.