Abstract:
A method of forming an adhesive force includes removing a seta from a living specimen, attaching the seta to a substrate, and applying the seta to a surface so as to establish an adhesive force between the substrate and the surface. The seta is applied to the surface with a force perpendicular to the surface. The seta is then pulled with a force parallel to the surface so as to preload the adhesive force of the seta.
Abstract:
A fabricated microstructure includes a plurality of protrusions. The protrusions are capable of providing substantially parallel adhesive force at a surface of between about 60 and 2000 nano-Newtons. A flexible shaft supports the protrusions, and a flexible member or beam is attached to the shaft to form a manipulator or gripper device.
Abstract:
A dry adhesive structure and a method for manufacturing thereof is disclosed. In an embodiment, the dry adhesive structure comprises a base structure and a plurality of fiber structures is disclosed, wherein each of the plurality of fiber structures comprises a cap structure that substantially overhangs its corresponding fiber structure on at least one side. The method for manufacturing the dry adhesive structure comprises applying a photosensitive material to substrate comprising polymethyl acrylate, patterning and developing the photoresistive material to form a mask comprising the overhanging cap structure, exposing the mask to UV light, developing the substrate to form undercut fiber structures, molding an elastomer rubber materials to form an elastomer rubber negative mold, and molding a flexible polymer material in the elastomer rubber negative mold to form the dry adhesive structure.
Abstract:
A method of forming synthetic dry adhesives is provided that includes using a combined wedge indenting and orthogonal machining process to form tapered mold cavities in a mold, filling the tapered mold cavities with an elastomeric adhesive, curing the elastomeric adhesive in the tapered mold cavities, and removing the elastomeric adhesive from the mold, where a plurality of tapered lamellar ridges extend from a surface of the elastomeric adhesive.
Abstract:
Provided herein are the polymers shown below. The value n is a positive integer. R1 is an organic group, and each R2 is H or a chemisorbed group, with at least one R2 being a chemisorbed group. The polymer may be a nanostructured film. Also provided herein is a method of: converting a di-p-xylylene paracyclophane dimer to a reactive vapor of monomers; depositing the reactive vapor onto a substrate held at an angle relative to the vapor flux to form nanostructured poly(p-xylylene) film; reacting the film with an agent to form hydrogen atoms that are reactive with a precursor of a chemisorbed group, if the film does not contain the hydrogen atoms; and reacting the hydrogen atoms with the precursor. Also provided herein is a device having a nanostructured poly(p-xylylene) film on a pivotable substrate. The film has directional hydrophobic or oleophobic properties and directional adhesive properties.
Abstract:
Provided herein are the polymers shown below. The value n is a positive integer. R1 is an organic group, and each R2 is H or a chemisorbed group, with at least one R2 being a chemisorbed group. The polymer may be a nanostructured film. Also provided herein is a method of: converting a di-p-xylylene paracyclophane dimer to a reactive vapor of monomers; depositing the reactive vapor onto a substrate held at an angle relative to the vapor flux to form nanostructured poly(p-xylylene) film; reacting the film with an agent to form hydrogen atoms that are reactive with a precursor of a chemisorbed group, if the film does not contain the hydrogen atoms; and reacting the hydrogen atoms with the precursor. Also provided herein is a device having a nanostructured poly(p-xylylene) film on a pivotable substrate. The film has directional hydrophobic or oleophobic properties and directional adhesive properties.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an easy, scalable method, relying on conventional and unconventional techniques, to incorporate tilt in the fabrication of synthetic polymer-based dry adhesives mimicking the gecko adhesive system. These dry, reversible adhesives demonstrate anisotropic adhesion properties, providing strong adhesion and friction forces when actuated in the gripping direction and an initial repulsive normal force and negligible friction when actuated in the releasing direction.
Abstract:
Unique designs, devices, systems, materials and fabrication methods are provided including adhesive closure devices that are easily released and are suitable for extended/repeated use in a variety of applications.
Abstract:
A controllable adhesive for non-flat surfaces is provided. The device has a conformable (i.e. flexible) film and directly cast thereto a synthetic dry adhesive film. The synthetic dry adhesive film has elastomeric wedges. The conformable film is capable to deform to a non-flat surface. In one embodiment, the controllable adhesive has a first loading mechanism at one end of the controllable adhesive to apply load to the controllable adhesive. In another embodiment, forming a gripper, the controllable adhesive has a second controllable adhesive with a second loading mechanism, such that the first and second loading mechanism face each other and join a common point of loading.