The holy grail of adhesives?

[amirm]

http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-57401164-1/the-holy-grail-of-adhesives/?tag=epicStories

A gecko-inspired adhesive from a University of Massachusetts research team can hold up to 700 pounds on a sheet the size of an index card.

Looks like the next thing after Velcro!

 

[jadis]

nice read, amir. i have been fascinated with industrial strength adhesives since i was introduced to 'locktite' back in the 80s by our extrusion plant manager. one of our workers then caught it between his thumb and index finger and i recall when he forcible tried to disengage his 2 fingers from the adhesive, his skin peeled and a little blood came out. this new one should be used with even more caution though its benefits should be phenomenal.

 

[Steve williams]

that is most interesting

 

[kach22i]

I don't see where in the article it mentions that they really figured out how a Gecko turns the stick of the substance on, and off.

Croson also pointed to the gecko's ability to seemingly turn its adhesion powers on and off. "It sticks, and then it doesn't." Adhesion scientists find those characteristics very appealing.

I see nothing on heat resistance, but hanging a flat TV if it were a hotter plasma set might indicate something positive.

I see nothing on water solubility or the opposite, moisture resistance.

I will be keeping an eye out for future articles, press releases and products.

I really like the concept of imitating nature in general, it always seems to get my attention.

 

[amirm]

Yeh, it is a poorly written article with regards to explaining this material does. My read of it was that it was a mix of adhesive and what velcro does (not exactly but some mechanical aspect being involved). But I could be wrong.