http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/27108642/
Researchers have developed a new type of dry glue designed after the feet of a gecko. Gecko feet utilize Van der Waals forces. Gecko feet have tiny hairs launching off their toes. The amount of hairs produces a large surface area on the gecko feet. This allows for a maximum amount of Van der Waals interactions, or weak connections between slightly charged sides of atoms, to occur between the gecko feet and the surface they attach to.
Likewise, this glue utilizes this same concept. The glue consists of a “carpet of carbon nanotubules, thin filaments of carbon molecules.” At the ends of the nanotubules, there are curly carbon strands that also expand surface area. This innovative glue could literally allow a man to walk up a wall like Spiderman. But, this glue also has more practical purposes. This glue could remove the need for soldering when building electrical structures. Also, since it is a dry glue, this product could withstand the cold temperatures in outer space. This glue creates a wide range of possibilities across many different industries.
That is really interesting. It says in the article "A 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) square of the adhesive can support the weight of a 220-pound (100-kilogram) man climbing up a vertical surface." That is a tiny amount of glue to be stuck to someone and allow them to scale buildings. It's cool how it can be attached to something and then removed without damage. This discovery of such an adhesive could allow space shuttles to stay in orbit longer because they wouldn't fall apart. I guess this shows how strong of a bond is meant by "weak" since van der waals' interactions aren't strong relative to other bonds.
ReplyDeleteWOW! I have always wanted to be Spiderman. No, seriously where can I buy my suite?
ReplyDeleteThis would be incredible. However, I have a few questions. How long would it take to dry and how would you apply it? Out of a glue gun? I also wonder if the researchers have thought about changes in temperature and if this would have any effect on its stickiness. Although the article tries to explain how one could pull away from the carbon bonds, I don't understand how at one second you climb up a wall and the next, pull yourself out and plunge to your death. And, finally how expensive would it be?
This glue could change the way people go from floor to floor. I'd like to test it out!
This is really cool! I was also reading Lauren's comment and thought about the comment she made about it being a "weak" bond. That is very interesting that it seems so strong, but in science it is "weak." I also am curious about how long this glue would take to dry, because I feel like that would have an affect on it. When reading the article, I did not fully understand how you could pull away from carbon bonds. And is this why it would not damage the material?
ReplyDeleteI think this sounds really cool, but I feel like there may be many questions still left to figure out..