Switchable Adhesive Controlled by Light

Jan-28-17 A new switchable adhesive controlled by UV light can safely lift delicate objects with its tiny suction cups.

The material consists of a porous liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) that will bend when exposed to UV light, which was bonded to an adhesive polymer. The surface of the polymer is made up of mushroom-shaped adhesive microstructures that function as suction cups to grasp an object upon contact. When the material is exposed to UV light, however, the LCE will bend, causing the mushroom cups to eventually release their hold on the object, leaving no residue behind.

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[NEWATLAS.COM]
[UNI-KIEL.DE]

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