Communication

Gecko-Inspired Directional and Controllable Adhesion

  1. Michael P. Murphy,
  2. Burak Aksak,
  3. Metin Sitti*

Article first published online: 29 DEC 2008

DOI: 10.1002/smll.200801161

Issue

Small

Small

Volume 5, Issue 2, pages 170–175, January 19, 2009

Additional Information

How to Cite

Murphy, M. P., Aksak, B. and Sitti, M. (2009), Gecko-Inspired Directional and Controllable Adhesion. Small, 5: 170–175. doi: 10.1002/smll.200801161

Author Information

  1. Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (USA)

*Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University 5000 Forbes Ave., Pittsburgh, PA 15213 (USA).

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 19 JAN 2009
  2. Article first published online: 29 DEC 2008
  3. Manuscript Revised: 4 SEP 2008
  4. Manuscript Received: 8 AUG 2008

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Keywords:

  • elastomers;
  • fibers;
  • interfaces;
  • micromolding;
  • microstructures
Thumbnail image of graphical abstract

Arrays of gecko-inspired angled polymer microfibers with angled mushroom tips adhere with similar strength to gecko subdigital toe-pads in their gripping direction (∼100 kPa) on smooth surfaces (see image), but are easily released in the opposite direction. Control of adhesion in the normal direction is also possible by controlling drag distance during loading.

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