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The quest for a powerful yet reusable, smart adhesive has long been a holy grail in materials science, with nature often serving as a source of inspiration. NTU Singapore scientists have embarked on a groundbreaking journey in adhesive technology, unveiling a revolutionary, reusable adhesive that eclipses the adhesion strength of a gecko’s feet by more than tenfold.
Drawing insights from the remarkable adhesive capabilities of geckos, which can cling effortlessly to surfaces, scientists at NTU Singapore have harnessed shape-memory polymers to replicate and surpass this natural phenomenon.
Spearheaded by Professor K Jimmy Hsia and his team, this innovative adhesive, crafted from smart materials, holds immense promise for various applications, from reusable superglue to advanced grippers capable of supporting heavy loads across rough and smooth surfaces.
Published in the prestigious scientific journal National Science Review, the research findings underscore a paradigm shift in adhesive technology. Unlike conventional adhesives that adhere permanently or lose their grip over time, the smart adhesive developed by the NTU team offers a unique blend of strength and versatility, coupled with the ability to attach and detach with ease.
At the heart of this breakthrough lies the ingenious use of shape-memory polymers, materials capable of retaining “memories” of their original shape and returning to it after being deformed by external stimuli like heat. Leveraging this property, the NTU researchers have engineered an adhesive that can transition between states – firmly adhering to surfaces when needed and detaching effortlessly upon heating.
In their quest to maximise adhesion, the research team meticulously designed the shape-memory polymer material into hair-like fibrils. These microstructures play a pivotal role in enhancing adhesion, as they can conform to microscopic nooks and crevices on surfaces, effectively locking them into place. Through rigorous experimentation and optimisation, the team identified the optimal size range for these fibrils, striking the perfect balance between adhesion strength and structural integrity.
The implications of this breakthrough are far-reaching, with potential applications spanning a myriad of industries and sectors. One of the most promising avenues is the development of robotic grippers endowed with unprecedented gripping strength and adaptability. With the ability to support heavy loads across diverse surfaces, these grippers could revolutionise tasks ranging from industrial automation to space exploration.
Moreover, the smart adhesive opens doors to advancements in climbing technology, enabling humans and robots alike to scale walls and traverse vertical surfaces with ease. From construction workers navigating skyscrapers to search and rescue teams accessing hard-to-reach areas, the possibilities are boundless.
Professor Hsia, President’s Chair in Mechanical Engineering at NTU Singapore, envisions a future where this technology transcends traditional boundaries, offering solutions to real-world challenges. “This research is not just about developing a stronger adhesive; it’s about redefining what’s possible in materials science,” he remarked. “By harnessing the power of shape-memory polymers, we’ve unlocked a new realm of possibilities for adhesive technology.”
While the current application of the adhesive is limited by heating and cooling times, the research team remains undeterred in their pursuit of practical solutions. By refining the adhesive’s properties and optimising its performance, they aim to accelerate its transition from the laboratory to the real world, where its transformative potential can be fully realised.
Looking ahead, the team is exploring avenues to reduce cooling times and lower switching temperatures, making the adhesive more accessible and versatile in a variety of environments. With ongoing research and development, they hope to usher in a new era of adhesive technology, where strength, adaptability, and reusability converge to shape the future of innovation.
