Inspired by the clinging power of a gecko's feet, the Geckskin tape is a super-strong adhesive. This is not the first time a manmade product has been inspired by natural occurrences and it will not be the last, especially if other products are as impressive as the Geckskin tape.
Developed by researchers from the University of Massachusetts, the Geckskin tape measures 16 inches square and is capable of holding up to 700 pounds of weight on a smooth surface, such as a wall or window. This allows it to be used to secure such things as televisions on walls. The Geckskin tape can also be used repeatedly with no loss of effectiveness and leaves no sticky residue. Since it uses everyday materials such as polydimethylsiloxane, the Geckskin tape would be inexpensive to produce.
Gecko Feet-Inspired Adhesives
The Geckskin Tape Can Hold Up 700 lbs of Weight
Trend Themes
1. Biomimetic Adhesives - There is an opportunity to develop more adhesives inspired by nature like the Geckskin tape.
2. Reusable Adhesives - There is an opportunity to create more reusable adhesives like the Geckskin tape, which can be used repeatedly with no loss of effectiveness and leaves no sticky residue.
3. Heavy-duty Adhesives - There is an opportunity to develop heavy-duty adhesives capable of holding up 700 pounds of weight like the Geckskin tape.
Industry Implications
1. Construction - There is an opportunity to use the Geckskin tape in construction to securely fasten heavy objects like televisions on walls without leaving residue.
2. Automotive - There is an opportunity to use the Geckskin tape in the automotive industry to securely fasten heavy objects like car parts without leaving residue.
3. Manufacturing - There is an opportunity for manufacturers to produce inexpensive adhesives like the Geckskin tape that use everyday materials such as polydimethylsiloxane.