In a study published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, researchers detail the use of silicone rubber enhanced with zirconia nanoparticles to develop a non-slip polymer inspired by a very particular reptile, the gecko. The material, which exhibits a high adherence to ice, could be used in shoe soles to prevent injuries in humans.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), slips and falls cause over 38 million injuries and 684,000 deaths annually, with ice being one of the main risk factors. Current non-slip soles, made with materials like natural rubber, repel the layer of liquid water on wet surfaces, but on frozen surfaces, they can cause the ice to melt under the user’s pressure, creating a slippery layer that nullifies their protective function.
However, the pads on geckos’ feet contain hydrophilic mechanisms that allow them to move easily on slippery and wet surfaces.
In this regard, previous research on geckos’ feet led to the development of more effective non-slip polymers. These studies revealed that the adhesion of the pads on their feet is due to an improvement in hydrophilic capillary adhesion: the force of water attracted to fine grooves in the pads generates suction, allowing the animal to move safely.
The geckos’ ability adapted for human use
An international team led by Vipin Richhariya from the University of Minho (Portugal) set out to create a polymer with improved capillary adhesion for wet and frozen surfaces.
They started with silicone rubber and added zirconia nanoparticles to enhance water molecule attraction. Then, they rolled the composite material into a thin film, hardened it with heat, and engraved a grooved pattern on its surface using a laser, exposing the hydrophilic nanoparticles. When the film came into contact with water on ice, the improved adherence mimicked the capillary action of gecko feet, helping the material stick to the slippery surface.
The researchers tested five versions of the material with different concentrations of zirconia nanoparticles (1%, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 9% by weight). Through infrared spectroscopy and friction tests, they found that the most effective compositions contained between 3% and 5% of zirconia nanoparticles. According to experts, this technology could also be applied in areas such as electronics and medicine, for innovations like electronic and artificial skin.
Some gecko curiosities
Their ability to adhere to ice is not the only characteristic of geckos, as these lizards, which live in warm climates, have many curiosities, including:
- They are the only lizards that can vocalize and communicate with each other.
- They are insectivores and feed on flies, cockroaches, crickets, and silkworms.
- They are nocturnal animals and spend most of the day hidden.
- They can detach their tail to distract predators and escape.
- The tail of leopard geckos is a fat reserve that indicates their health status.
- They can vary greatly in size, from 1 centimeter to half a meter.
- They are neat, calm, and organized animals.
- They are useful animals because they eat annoying insects.
- They are not poisonous or dangerous to humans.
- They can live in symbiosis with humans.
Have you visited our YouTube channel yet? Subscribe now!
