Abstract:
The invention provides unique releasable adhesive devices and related methods that are capable of simultaneously adhering to two or multiple target surfaces of various nature and allow high load capacity, are reusable, easy release and suitable for extended and repeated use.
Abstract:
Gecko-like adhesive application devices suited for dynamic applications are disclosed, where the device can be easily applied to target substrates, exhibiting a firm hold, and subsequently released therefrom. Gecko-like adhesive application devices that are suited for sustained holding after easy application (e.g., on vertical or inclined surfaces or ceiling) also are disclosed.
Abstract:
Electrostatic dry adhesive devices having a microstructured dry adhesive element formed directly into a contact surface of an electrostatic adhesive. The microstructured dry adhesive element, such as in the form of microwedges, can be molded into surface of an electrostatic adhesive. Also provided are associated methods of making such adhesive devices.
Abstract:
A fabricated microstructure includes a base and one or more nano-structures disposed on one or more portions of the base to adhere to a contact surface. The one or more portions of the base with the one or more nano-structures are located on the base such that, when the one or more nano-structures adhere to the contact surface and an external force is applied to peel the base from the contact surface, the one or more nano-structures in the one or more portions of the base facilitate or resist peeling of the nano-structures from the contact surface.
Abstract:
One embodiment of the invention includes a shape memory polymer which functions similar to a traditional mechanical clamp. A shape memory polymer may exhibit adhesive properties when heated above its glass transition temperature. The shape memory polymers may function as a reversible dry adhesive clamp.
Abstract:
Nano-scale or micro-scale adhesive structures comprising an array of nano-fabricated, pillars, the pillars having coated upon, or having disposed on a working surface thereof, a protein-mimetic, marine-adhesive coating. Methods of fabricating the nano-scale pillars, synthesis of the protein-mimetic coating or wet adhesive and application of the adhesive to the pillars are described.
Abstract:
Aligned carbon nanotube-polymer composite materials, systems and methods include a substrate that carries an adhesive coating thereon. A plurality of carbon nanostructures are adhered to the substrate by the adhesive coating, such that the nanostructures are formed into a predetermined architecture, such that the architecture of the nanostructures defines at least one orientation for a plurality of nanostructures, and defies the approximate spacing between the nanostructures and/or groups of nanostructures. The adherence of the carbon nanostructures in the adhesive coating stabilizes the predetermined architecture of the nanostructures, such that the architecture renders the composite material superhydrophobic.
Abstract:
Dry adhesives and methods of making dry adhesives including a method of making a dry adhesive including applying a liquid polymer to the second end of a stem, contacting the liquid polymer on the stem with a tip shaping surface, bending the stem relative to the backing layer while contacting the liquid polymer on the stem with the tip shaping surface, curing the liquid polymer to form a tip on the second end of the stem while bending the stem relative to the backing layer and while contacting the liquid polymer on the stem with the tip shaping surface, andremoving the tip from the tip shaping surface after the liquid polymer cures.
Abstract:
A dry adhesive comprising a micro-featured and nano-featured surface, and a compliant surface having a hardness of about 60 Shore A or less, the micro-featured and nano-featured surface and the compliant surface being capable of forming upon contact a dry adhesive bond with each other.
Abstract:
A fabricated nano-structure includes a substrate, a supporting stalk, a node, and at least two spatular plate portions. The supporting stalk has a first end opposite a second end. The first end of the supporting stalk is connected to the substrate. The supporting stalk has a diameter range of about 50 nanometers to about 2 microns. A node is disposed at the second end of the supporting stalk. At least two spatular plate portions are connected to the node. The at least two spatular plate portions have planar geometries and are radially distributed about the node. The at least two spatular plate portions has a ratio of a maximum plate thickness to a maximum plate length of at most about 1:20. The maximum plate length is measured along a line from a boundary of the spatular plate portion to a centroid of the node. The maximum plate length is at least about 100 nanometers. The at least two spatular plate portion adhere to a contact surface using intermolecular forces when the spatular plate portions are in contact with the contact surface.