Creating Metal Molds for Directional Gecko-Inspired Adhesives

Abstract

We describe a process for creating durable metal molds for the fabrication of directional, gecko-inspired dry adhesives. The adhesives require microscopic inclined features with a challenging combination of tapered geometry, high aspect ratio, and smooth surface finish. Wedge-shaped features produced by the new metal mold exhibit the same geometry and surface finish as those cast from single-use wax molds and epoxy molds in previous fabrication methods. They also produce the same levels of adhesion and shear stress. The metal molds, and the adhesives cast from them, show no degradation after repeated molding cycles.