Investigating the Design of the Adhesive Properties of the Gecko through a Simplified Model System (2010)

Undergraduates: Marco Torelli, Jeremy Niskala

Faculty Advisor: Wei You
Department: Chemistry

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Biomimicry is the modeling of a nature created functionality. Modeling the adhesive properties of the gecko would have dramatic implications on present adhesion technologies. This gecko based "smart adhesion" would hold strongly in one direction, while removing easily in the other. Additionally, it would be intrinsically self-cleaning, thereby not loosing its "stickiness." Already many complicated models have been made to account for and model this type of adhesion. In order to better understand the interplay of the hierarchical pillar based adhesion system used by the gecko, a simple model of varyingly sized pillars and spacings has been created. Additionally, there has been no clear study of the effect of pillar angle on adhesion: most studies focus on the angles of setae (little pillars on the food of the gecko) detachment and of force application. Together, a study of these basic characteristics can provide fundamental and useful information to improve the design and understanding of more complex features. Simple angled model devices have been shown to be readily made and in the testing stage.