Super glue that mimics gecko feet and mussels

Northwestern University engineers have combined the adhesion of geckos and mussels to create a new type of glue that can work in air and underwater.

Geckos have the ability to move easily on soil as well as on walls and ceilings: their feet adhere to the surface thanks to the tiny hairs on the toes. Each hair with 5 micron diameter is covered by hundreds

The gecko adheres to the shell
(Photo: msn)

nano hairs with a diameter of 200 nanometers (250 times smaller than a human hair). This animal has a multitude of nano ' suckers ' that allow them to adhere to any surface.

But once in the water, geckos almost lose their ability to stick, as in the case of glue in moist environments or individual tapes that no longer adhere to after absorbing water.

Researchers have come up with the idea of ​​using an animal capable of sticking to the bottom of the water: mussel. When combining both techniques, engineers created a new material called ' gecke l' that could adhere well to water like on a dry surface and can be easily separated but still retains its grip. stick when reused.

Geckel can be used as a water-proof tape, replacing only the wound and in the future it can be used in the construction industry.

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