Previous work to develop a microfibrillar array to improve mask sealing performance demonstrated increased wet and dry adhesion on rigid and soft smooth substrates using spatulate fibers. The current effort modeled and characterized dry fibrillar adhesion to substrates that more closely approximate human skin. The models for adhesion to soft, textured substrates revealed that the resulting adhesion was simply a fraction of the adhesion to a smooth, rigid substrate. The ...
Synthetic micro-pillar dry adhesives were developed based on the micro- and nano-structures used by geckos and beetles. These bio-inspired adhesives will supplement the existing respirator peripheral seal to enhance protection in wet or dirty environments and during head movements. Polyurethane microfiber arrays were fabricated with various geometries. Adhesion was measured on hard, soft, rough, and smooth surfaces. Small diameter, spatulate-tipped microfibers showed the greatest adhesion on all substrates. The sealing ...
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