Work

Gecko‐Inspired 2D Adhesives with Alternating Organogel/Hydrogel Strips Enable Robust and Durable Anisotropic Adhesion

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Gecko-inspired surface engineering, from microscale polymer pillars to nanoscale carbon nanotubes, has been scientifically guided by a thorough understanding of the adhesion mechanism of geckos. However, their adhesive performance inevitably deteriorates upon repetitive friction due to the collapse or destruction of 3D micro/nanostructures. Here, inspired by the arc lamellae structures of gecko toes, a 2D organohydrogel adhesive with alternating organogel and hydrogel strips of arc shape (TAS-arc) is demonstrated through a one-step wetting-enabled-transfer (WET) strategy. Independent of any elaborate 3D micro/nanostructures, the gecko-inspired TAS-arc with submillimeter (≈300 µm) adhesive regions realizes excellent anisotropic adhesion performance at optimized friction/peeling directions. Importantly, it can maintain nearly 100% adhesive strength after 1000 friction cycles without apparent structure damage. As a proof of concept, the gecko-inspired 2D TAS-arc is assembled on the tracks of a mobile vehicle, enabling stable climbing on the steep slopes of a PMMA plate. This study offers a unique insight into the development of macroscopic anisotropic adhesives for practical applications.

Source: Small Methods

DOI: 10.1002/smtd.202500426

Authors: Lanxin Jia, Xizi Wan, Man Yang, Shutao Wang

Institutions: Chinese Academy of Sciences, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences

Language: English

Topic: Adhesion, Friction, and Surface Interactions

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: bronze

Funder: National Natural Science Foundation of China

Award: G3516575187