Reversible Adhesive Inspired by Snail Slime

Reversible Adhesive Inspired by Snail Slime
Jun-18-19
The pHEMA super-strong, reversible glue inspired by snail slime is pliable when wet but extremely secure when dry.

The glue was developed a bit by accident while the team was working with a hydrogel made of the polyhydroxyethylmethacrylate (pHEMA) polymer, and noticed its similarities to epiphragm--an adhesive layer secreted by the snail. The material is rubberlike when wet, conforming to rough textures, but will become stiff like plastic when dry. However, moistening the pHEMA will cause it to lose its adhesive quality and slip off the surface.

More Info about this Invention:

[LEHIGH.EDU]
[PENNTODAY.UPENN.EDU]
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