Biomimetik.dk

Based on the structural and experimental studies of more than 300 insect species from differentlineages, we have developed and characterized a bioinspired polymer material with the abilityof multiple glue-free bonding and debonding. The material surface is covered with a pattern ofmicrostructures, which resembles the geometry of tenent hairs previously described from thefeet of flies, beetles, earwigs and other insects. The tape with such a microstructure patterndemonstrates at least two times higher pull-off force per unit apparent contact area comparedto the flat polymer. Additionally, the tape is less sensitive to contamination by dust particlesthan a commercially available pressure-sensitive adhesive tape. Even if the ‘insect tape’ iscontaminated, it can be washed with a soap solution in water, in order to completely recover itsadhesive properties. We have successfully applied the tape to the 120 g wall-climbing robotMini-WhegsTM. Furthermore, the tape can be used for multiple adhering of objects to glasssurfaces or as a protective tape for sensitive glass surfaces of optical quality. Another area ofpotential applications is gripping and manipulation of objects with smooth surfaces.