Nature, with its almost infinite genetic diversity, has always been a source of inspiration for human technological research. I made a machine that can fly like a bird and a device that can breathe underwater. In our constant quest to improve our lives, one animal inspired the glue of the future. It’s a gecko.
NanoGriptech, a company founded by engineers at the University of Pittsburgh, has successfully replicated the powerful force of ‘gravitational adhesion’ produced by these tiny animals. He just launched Setex, The first adhesive that works without glue, leaves no residue and is reusable Retains 100% adhesive strength and adapts perfectly to any situation.
How does Setex work?
The secrets of this revolutionary new material were discovered at the nano level, and researchers came up with a unique surface geometry to mimic the characteristics of gecko feet. The sticky pads on the paws of these small animals have millions of tiny protrusions that interact electrostatically with surface molecules. What you want to glue horizontally, vertically, or upside down.
In the glue developed by NanoGriptech, these tiny protrusions are simulated by polyurethane pillars covered with a sort of flat, mushroom-like cap. A few square centimeters of this material can support hundreds of kilograms of weight.
Gecko-inspired adhesive applications
Since Setex does not use chemical adhesives, it can be used for everything from dry bonding to supporting materials that come into contact with human skin, such as fixing prosthetics, safety helmets, clean room suits, etc.
An engineer at the University of Pittsburgh who developed the technology explains:This has opened the door to a future without biological leaksProsthetic limbs are more comfortable, sportswear offers higher performance and more applications. ”This is all thanks to our little friend, the gecko, his lizard’s incredible legs.
sauce: nano grip tech & engineer.
