Nanoparticles to tune mechanical properties of adhesive and polymeric matrix: An inspiration from nature

Adhesive property of natural system is of great interest for engineering innovation. While this has led to intense scrutiny of gecko footpad setae, other biological adhesion systems also draw big attention, such as marine mussel, barnacle, and more recently, ivy plants. With recent discovery of the role of nanoparticles in nature adhesives, it is of interest to characterize the role of nanoparticles in the adhesive or related systems. This study focused on understanding the effect of nanoparticles as fillers on the mechanical properties of adhesive or polymeric matrix. Specifically, we investigated the effect of concentration, size and distribution of nanoparticles as fillers in the silicone matrix or polysaccharide adhesive. The ultimate goal of this study is to exploit simple methods to improve the mechanical performance of adhesive or polymeric matrix in applications in complicated conditions or environments, such as in the field of medicine.