Method for Compliance Controlled Adhesive Switching and Magnetically Controlled Switchable Adhesives

Abstract

Adhesives are used in a variety of ways and are so common that they are easily overlooked. Adhesive hooks, tapes, glues, and switchable climbing mechanisms used by insects and lizards are clear examples of how adhesives are beneficial to society and nature. The development of novel switchable adhesives is a research area that is largely incomplete. In fact, very few switchable adhesives exist on the market today; hence their development would tremendously impact the adhesive industry. This thesis studies a mechanism for stiffness controlled switchable adhesion by utilizing a magnetically switchable device. The influence of nanopowder reinforcement on the compliance of polymeric-metallic composite switchable adhesives is investigated. Highly compliant composites are switched by magnetic and mechanical clamping leading to changes in compliance and adhesion. Material characterization is done with lap-shear testing while effects of reinforcement and clamping methods are studied. Ultimately, magnetic switching is consistent with a simple mechanical model.