Abstract: A fiber includes at least a first portion extending axially and including a shear thickening fluid. The fiber further includes at least a second portion extending radially outwardly from the first portion. The second portion extends axially and radially encompasses the first portion over a length thereof. The shear thickening fluid may, for example, include particles suspended in a liquid phase. The second portion may, for example, include an abrasion resistant material. The fiber may further include at least a third portion extending axially and positioned radially inward of the first portion. The third portion may, for example, include a material having a higher strength than the second portion.

Abstract: A method for forming a nanofiber adhesive structure includes, in one embodiment, providing a plurality of generally parallel fiber bundles secured in a first binder and in which each of the fiber bundles includes a plurality of generally parallel fibers secured in a second binder. The fibers have a diameter between about 200 nanometers to about 400 nanometers. A portion of the first binder is dissolved from the structure to expose end portions of the plurality of fiber bundles having a length of about 100 microns. A portion of the second binder of the exposed end portions of the plurality of fiber bundle is dissolved to expose the fibers having a length of about 15 microns. Thin slices may be made and assembled on a web to provide a gecko tape having adhesive properties based on Van der Waals forces.