Nanotech +Art

Glue is everywhere. We use it for art projects, bumper stickers, tape, making furniture more secure, etc.

The sole purpose of glue is to hold things together, hopefully forever. Nanotechnology is playing a significant role to make this happen.

Researchers are currently working with Geckos to find the best adhesive using nanotechnology.

http://robotics.eecs.berkeley.edu/~ronf/Gecko/
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/09/how-do-geckos-feet-work_n_1761839.html

"Geckos have the remarkable ability to run at any orientation on just about any smooth or rough, wet or dry, clean or dirty surface" (Gecko Adhesion Project) The basis of the geckos' adhesive properties are the millions of micron-scale setae (hair-like structures) that are on each of its toes which form a self-cleaning dry adhesive. Biologists and engineers at Berkeley are developing a nanofabrication process which will allow large amounts of setae to be economically fabricated.

The 7 Key properties of Gecko Adhesion are:
1. Anistropic attachment
2. High Pulloff to preload ratio
3. Low detachment force
4. Material independence
5. Self-cleaning
6. Anti-self matting
7. Non-sticky default state

http://robotics.eecs.berkeley.edu/~ronf/Gecko/gecko-facts.html

My favorite property is the non-sticky default state. I find it very frustrating when super glue won't come off my fingers.

http://www.wired.com/medtech/health/news/2005/08/68639

Researchers from Polytechnic Institute and the University of Akron have also created a carpet of super-stick carbon nanotubes that could form the basis for future type of adhesives. They have produced nanotubes with an adhesive power 200 times greater than the gecko foot hairs. These nanotubes are special because they form unique structures that are relatively defect-free.

Researchers are now working toward building a nanotube carpet on a larger scale-- 1 centimeter square.

The technology can be used to stick a 700lb object to glass without leaving a smear: It can also stick a 42-inch television to a wall, release it with a gentle tug and then restick it firmly - and it remains sticky after hundreds of uses

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120216165500.htm

Gecko Adhesives would have been impossible without the advancement of nanotechnology and is open a wide array of projects. Nanoglue may even allow humans to do the impossible: walk and climb on walls.

Works Cited:

Dalton, Aaron. "Nanoglue Stickier Than Gecko Toes." Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, 8 Aug. 2005. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. 

"Gecko Feet Inspire Amazing Glue That Can Hold 700 Pounds On Smooth Wall." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 16 Feb. 2012. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. 

"Gecko Project." Gecko Project. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://robotics.eecs.berkeley.edu/~ronf/Gecko/>.

"Interesting Gecko Adhesion Facts." Interesting Gecko Adhesion Facts. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://robotics.eecs.berkeley.edu/~ronf/Gecko/gecko-facts.html>.

Korte, Travis. "How Do Geckos' Feet Work?" The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 09 Aug. 2012. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. 

Images:

Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013

          <http://robotics.eecs.berkeley.edu/~ronf/Gecko/Hierarchy3.jpg>

Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. 

          <http://robotics.eecs.berkeley.edu/~ronf/Gecko/anolis-pi.jpg>.

Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. 

          <https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images q=tbn:ANd9GcRRZrFpfq9GxUUTPdlmnp9UuTvx98SWwmhwUAR1fEGA1ugP2UZV>.
Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://images.sciencedaily.com/2012/02/120216165500.jpg>.