Inspired by natural adhesive pads present at the feet of many animals, e.g. insects, geckos and frogs, there have been several attempts to manufacture adhesive surfaces with hierarchical structures. Compared to conventional viscoelastic glues present in most man-made adhesive materials, the bio-inspired ones have the advantage that they remain usable even after repeated applications, they allow easy removal of particulate contaminants, they can also be made of materials which are bio-compatible and environmentally benign. The important challenge, however, is to generate nano- to microscopic structures over a large surface area and in economically viable process.
We have made a novel adhesive which can be used for adhering to both smooth and rough surfaces; eventually it becomes dirty by particular matters and looses its ability to adhere. The dirty surface of the adhesive surface can be easily washed using a conventional washing machine. The adhesive surface can then be dried and taken for reuse. Thus the adhesive can be used for several such cycles without any decrease in adhesion.