Simulation of a nano-scale bonding mechanism reminiscent of VELCRO^(R) brand hook-and-loop fasteners*

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The associated MPEG movie shows the dynamics of connecting and disconnecting two nanotube-based hooks.

Connecting two nano-hooks.

Disconnecting two nano-hooks.

Two surfaces, covered by arrays of nanotube-based hooks that are firmly anchored, could be connected by applying pressure. To some degree, this is reminiscent of the type of bonding achieved on the millimeter-scale in hook-and-loop fasteners.

Benefits of bonding using mating nanotube hook elements:

• Strong, permanent bonds
• Self-repairing bonds
• Chemically inert and non-toxic
• Thermally stable
• Good thermal and electrical conductors
• Covered by U.S. Patent 7,181,811 "Micro-Fastening System and Method of Manufacture" by David Tomanek, Richard Enbody, and Young-Kyun Kwon

* In compliance with the request of the legal representatives of VELCRO^(R) brand hook-and-loop material, we agreed to refrain from using the now colloquial term "nano-...".

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David Tomanek at Michigan State University / tomanek@pa.msu.edu