Stick with us on this: A new #adhesive device could bring us one step closer to climbing walls like Spider-Man. #NTUsg scientists have created a smart adhesive device by using shape-memory #polymers, which can stick and detach easily simply by heating and cooling them. These polymers can 'remember' their previous shapes and return to them after being transformed or deformed.
The polymers are designed into an array of hair-like fibrils of about 0.5mm to 3mm each to maximise the adhesive ability. A palm-sized array of 37 fibrils, weighing about 30gm, could hold up to 60kg of weight. The scientists are currently working on reducing the amount of time needed for the device to cool and stick. Future applications for the device include being used in #climbing devices such as gloves and boots.