Link: Tree-frog feet inspire glue with better grip - USATODAY.com.
A team at the Indian Institute of Technology in Kanpur led by Abhijit Majumder studied how tree frogs stick to surfaces, but can easily release their feet. When conventional adhesive tape is removed, cracks form in the adhesive and reduce stickiness. Tree frog feet have channels that both increase adhesion and prevent crack propagation. The researchers designed a reusable adhesive with embedded channels filled with air or liquid. The adhesive could also be repeatedly removed and reused, while adhesion increased up to 30-fold.
Thanks to Ellen Domb for the pointer!
Comments