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Reversible Underwater Dry Adhesion of a Shape Memory Polymer
Author(s) -
Park Jun Kyu,
Eisenhaure Jeffrey D.,
Kim Seok
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
advanced materials interfaces
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.671
H-Index - 65
ISSN - 2196-7350
DOI - 10.1002/admi.201801542
Subject(s) - materials science , adhesive , adhesion , shape memory polymer , rigidity (electromagnetism) , composite material , polymer , contact area , shape memory alloy , interface (matter) , nanotechnology , contact angle , layer (electronics) , sessile drop technique
Dry adhesives are believed to be inadequate to achieve high adhesion to a wet or submerged surface due to liquid layers intercalated at the contact interface. Here, the reversible dry adhesion of a thermoresponsive shape memory polymer (SMP) performing under water and other liquids such as oil is presented. It is revealed that applying pressure to the SMP in its compliant rubbery state enables to squeeze out the liquid from its contact interface, and that the interface is then maintained by fixing the SMPs shape in its glassy state. During this conformal and hermetic contact condition, the rigidity of the glassy state SMP provides remarkably high (≈18 atm, atmosphere) underwater yet dry adhesion. Lastly, the permanent shape recovery of the SMP allows a surrounding liquid to quickly squeeze in and separate the contact interface, which makes the SMP almost adhesiveless. These findings pave the way for inexpensive reversible dry adhesives working on submerged surfaces.