We are developing a novel, controllable adhesive that combines the benefits of electrostatic adhesives with gecko-like directional dry adhesives. When working in combination, the two technologies create a positive feedback cycle whose adhesion, depending on the surface type, is often greater than the sum of its parts. The directional dry adhesive brings the electrostatic adhesive closer to the surface, increasing its effect. Similarly, the electrostatic adhesion helps engage more of the directional dry adhesive fibrillar structures, particularly on rough surfaces. Results show that the hybrid adhesive provides up to 5.1x greater adhesion than the electrostatic adhesive or directional dry adhesive technologies alone.

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Open Source Data

These three datasets correspond to our 2016 submission to the Royal Society Interface