Paper, Adhesive Nature and Structure of the Gecko Setae
Geckos are excellent at climbing smooth vertical surfaces and their toes are the key to this phenomenon. Research has found that there are a hundred thousand setae, made of Sub-division of beta-keratin, on the toes. These 30–130 µm long seta contain countless 0.2–0.5 µm spatula-shaped structures. Force sensor reveals that a seta operates by van der Waals forces. A unique macroscopic orientation and preloading of the seta increased attachment force 600-fold above that of frictional measurements of the material. Suitably orientated setae reduced the forces necessary to peel the toe by simply detaching above a critical angle with the substratum. Furthermore, gecko toes are well adapted to adhere to hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces.
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