Abstract: A shape memory polymer microfiber material coupled to a base portion and coated with a dry adhesive in which the tips of the microfibers may be modified to achieve superhydrophobicity. The resultant surface of the material may be altered between to an adhesive state from a superhydrophobic state as the shape memory polymer transforms from its permanent shape to a temporary shape. The shape memory polymer microfiber material may be reversibly coupled to one or more substrates when in the adhesive state and uncoupled when in the superhydrophobic state.

Abstract: A method of forming a particle-rod nanostructure is disclosed. The method comprises preparing a mixture comprising an inorganic nanoparticle and an organic molecule in a solvent. The method further comprises spin-coating the mixture to nucleate a crystal growth of the organic molecule on the inorganic nanoparticle deposited on a substrate, yielding the particle-rod nanostructure.

Abstract: A reversible adhesive system for coupling together two objects may consist of two shape memory polymers with molecular “hooks and loops” on the surfaces (i.e. the surface away from each of the objects). Utilizing the shape memory properties of the polymers, the molecular hooks and molecular loops may be brought together to form non-covalent bonds, leading to macroscopic adhesion. Upon heating, the adhesive bond can be separated with a small peeling force. The adhesive bonding and debonding can be repeated for multiple cycles with significant adhesion retention.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a method of joining two substrates with multilayer thermo-reversible dry adhesives and separating the two bonded substrates by completely thermally reversing the adhesion via heating.

Abstract: One embodiment provides an attachment pad including a multilayer thermo-reversible adhesive including a shape memory polymer layer and a dry adhesive layer underlying the shape memory polymer layer, the multilayer thermo-reversible adhesive having a curved surface when the shape memory polymer layer is below its glass transition temperature and unaffected by a load; and a means for evenly applying a load and/or detaching force on the perimeter of the multilayer thermo-reversible adhesive including a spring.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention includes a multilayer dry adhesive system capable of reversible joining of rigid substrates.