As Sticky as a Gecko ... but Ten Times Stronger!

Courtesy NSF News  Tue, 10/14/2008 - 13:00

Illustration of a gecko hanging off a ledge holding nine more geckos.

The gecko's amazing ability to stick to surfaces and walk up walls has inspired many researchers to manufacture materials that mimic the special surface of a gecko's foot.

The secret behind the gecko's ability to stick so well is a forest of pillars at the micro-/nano-scale on the underside of the gecko's foot.

Because there are so many pillars so close together, they are held tightly to the surface the gecko is walking on by a molecular force called the...


 

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