Nano adhesives stick when hot

US researchers are developing an ultra-thin glue that will become more adhesive when heated. It can be used to " hook " two surfaces that are often difficult to bond.

"The glue is about 1,000 times thinner than the thinnest organic glue," says Ganapathiraman Ramanath, a materials researcher from the Rensslaer Polytechnic Institute, who reported on his work.

"It's a single molecule, organized like an army , " Ramanath said.

Glue is made of nanometer sized molecular chains. Its dew is carbon molecules. One end of the chain is silica and oxygen, the other is sulfide. These different stranded molecules act as hooks, attaching to other surfaces.

Covered by a thin layer of copper, it acts as a protective coat to help the molecule stay intact. When heated to 400 degrees Celsius or higher, copper and silica will form a strong chemical bond, enhancing adhesion to 5-7 times.

The glue can be used as a cheap solution to connect two types of materials that normally do not stick together. Ramanath and his associates are looking for patents for this material, which he claims could be used to develop chips, in any microscope.

(Photo: Reuters)

T. An