Gecko Hair Fabrication: Molding Method Molding techniques for micro and nano gecko foot hairs Introduction: Small diameter, high aspect ratio polymer structures can be produced with a molding process. Using liquid polymer and a master template we are able to create micro and nano hairs. Approach: the team is using nanopore and micropore membranes as the negative mold for our gecko foot hairs. The team has also created master silicon molds to use for creating microfibers. We already have achieved excellent results in producing both micro and nano fibers, and we are now concentrating on molding fibers with spatular tips to increase the contact area. Benefits: This process creates fibers of nearly any size and material. The spatular tips increase the contact area and tus adhesion. Members: Seok Kim, Mike Murphy, Metin Sitti

[SEM image of 2micron diameter fibers created through micro-molding]