Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that gecko foot-hair inspired elastomer microfibers with spatulate tips have significant adhesion enhancement compared to the flat elastomer surface. In this study, we report the friction enhancement of these highly adhesive fibers and analyze the relation between adhesion and friction of elastomer microfiber arrays with spatulate tips. Fabricated polyurethane fiber arrays with spatulate tips demonstrate macroscale static friction pressures up to 41 N cm2 for a preload pressure of 1.5 N cm2 on a 6 mm diameter smooth glass hemisphere.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Article number | 221913 |
| Journal | Applied Physics Letters |
| Volume | 91 |
| Issue number | 22 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - 2007 |