Abstract: A surface with selectable adhesion is achieved by a shape memory alloy that is at least partly coated with a polymer forming a surface structure, thus allowing the adhesion force of the surface to be controlled.

Abstract: A method for producing organic-inorganic composite materials includes at least one biomineralising protein and/or polypeptide-encoding recombinant polynucleotide being introduced into at least one host cell, preferably from the class of slime moulds, and the expressed protein and/or polypeptide influencing the formation of inorganic particles in an extracellular matrix of the host cell.

Abstract: A method for producing metal structures includes an initiator composition comprising a photocatalytic substance being applied to a substrate. A precursor composition that can be reduced to a metal by the photocatalytic activity of the nanodusts is applied to the layer. A structure template is then applied, partially displacing the precursor composition, and then the substrate is illuminated. Structured metal structures are thus generated.

Abstract: A process for producing metallic structures includes an initiator composition comprising photocatalytic nanorods being applied to a substrate. A precursor composition is applied to the layer, and is reduced to form a metal by the photocatalytic activity of the nanorods. High-resolution metallic structures can be obtained by structured exposure.

Abstract: A method for producing finely structured surfaces, in particular in plastics, includes a) applying at least one coating compound on at least one substrate; b) forming a fine structure by a die, which has the negative of a fine structure, c) curing the resultant finely structured coating compound, obtaining a substantially cured coating; and d) separating the finely structured coating from the die, wherein steps d) and c) can also be carried out in the reverse order.

Abstract: A combination includes a first device and a second device, wherein both devices comprise at least one surface and the surface of the first device comprises at least one recess. At least one contact surface is formed when the surface of the first device attaches to the surface of the second device. By applying external pressure, the adhesion force between the two devices can be switched back and forth between at least two states.

Abstract: Described are methods for surface modification of an object (10) in order to increase the adhesive power of the object, wherein the surface (11) is subjected to structuring so that a multitude of projections (12) are formed, each comprising a foot part and a head part, wherein the head part comprises a front surface (13) which faces away from the surface, wherein each projection (12) is made in a size such that all front surfaces (13) project to the same vertical height above the surface (11), and form an adherent contact surface (14) which is interrupted by mutual spacing between the front surfaces (13).

Abstract: A structured surface of a solid body comprises a multiplicity of projections, which form a contact area which can become attached to adjacent surroundings, and a carrier layer, on which the projections are arranged, wherein properties of the projections and/or of the carrier layer are specifically variable in such a way that the attachability of the contact area is adjustable. A component which is provided with such a structured surface and a method for modifying the structured surface are also described.

Abstract: A vacuum gripper for suctioning work pieces, having a vacuum connection, a flexible suction body and a suction body holder, where the side of the suction body facing the work piece has a sealing lip bounding a vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber is connected to the vacuum connection. The suction body has a contact surface abutting the work pieces with prevailing vacuum in the vacuum chamber. The contact surface is provided with elements, where the elements are have a rod or pin-shaped configuration and form a microstructure.

Abstract: Described are methods for surface modification of an object (10) in order to increase the adhesive power of the object, wherein the surface (11) is subjected to structuring so that a multitude of projections (12) are formed, each comprising a foot part and a head part, wherein the head part comprises a front surface (13) which faces away from the surface, wherein each projection (12) is made in a size such that all front surfaces (13) project to the same vertical height above the surface (11), and form an adherent contact surface (14) which is interrupted by mutual spacing between the front surfaces (13).

Abstract: A vacuum gripper for suctioning work pieces, having a vacuum connection, a flexible suction body and a suction body holder, where the side of the suction body facing the work piece has a sealing lip bounding a vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber is connected to the vacuum connection. The suction body has a contact surface abutting the work pieces with prevailing vacuum in the vacuum chamber. The contact surface is provided with elements, where the elements are have a rod or pin-shaped configuration and form a microstructure.

Abstract: A composite material includes a metallic second phase dispersed in a metallic matrix material. The metallic second phase has a grain structure that is at least partially martensitic. The second phase material is preferably an alloy of nickel and titanium, each present in the range from 48 to 52 atomic %, optionally in combination with further additives. The second phase particles can be present in the form of granular particles, wires, fibers, whiskers, or layers, making up 5 to 60 vol. % of the overall composite material. The matrix material is preferably an aluminum alloy. The composite material has a high damping capacity and a high tensile strength provided by the matrix, and a high damping capacity provided by the second phase. A method of making the composite material involves mixing a powdery matrix material and a powdery second phase material, and then heat and consolidating the mixture at a temperature of 400 to 700 ° C. and a pressure of 100 to 300 MPa.