Researchers have found that a synthetic array of polypropylene fibers can hold a quarter to a glass slide inclined at an 80-degree angle, yet is not `sticky` like adhesive tape. An array of synthetic micro-fibers that uses very high friction to support loads on smooth surfaces, has been created by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley. The fibers are packed 42 million per square centimeter, each measure 20 microns long and 0.6 microns in diameter - or about 100 times thinner than a human hair. One micron is one-thousandth of a millimetre.
Microfibre arrays could be incorporated into athletic shoes sole and car tires as high friction and low adhesion are traits desired in these applications. Soft materials such as rubber is now used for these products, but researchers note that a stiff polymer could possibly stand up to higher temperatures and wear better than such materials. The polypropylene micro-fibers are a new class of material that shows some of the advantages of rubber without the stickiness.
28-Aug-06 
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