I’ve always been fascinated by novel new materials especially the recent wave of 2D materials with unique properties that aren’t generally found in nature. For instance, thanks to one of these new wonder materials, Graphene, we may soon have new building blocks that are light-weight, stronger than steel, capable of conducting electricity, and much more.
However, when it comes down to it my favorite new materials are those based on biomimicry, designs already found in nature that we tap into to create new innovations capable of filling the gaps in our tool kit. Such as we just did when we recently created snail inspired reversible super glue!
As Phys.Org puts it, “If you’ve ever pressed a picture-hanging strip onto the wall only to realize it’s slightly off-center, you know the disappointment behind adhesion as we typically experience it: it may be strong, but it’s mostly irreversible. While you can un-stick the used strip from the wall, you can’t turn its stickiness back on to adjust its placement; you have to start over with a new strip or tolerate your mistake. Beyond its relevance to interior decorating, durable, reversible adhesion could allow for reusable envelopes, gravity-defying boots, and more heavy-duty industrial applications like car assembly.”
And if we can achieve this incredible feat of engineering we’ll have slimy snails to thank.
“A snail’s epiphragm—a slimy layer of moisture that can harden to protect its body from dryness—allows the snail to cement itself in place for long periods of time, making it the ultimate model in adhesion that can be switched on and off as needed.”
The perfect solution to those sticky situations that we may find ourselves in.
Is Reversible Super Glue the Greatest Idea Ever?
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