Magink cling film from Magink uses nanoattraction technology to help adhere to surfaces without leaving a residue.

Benefits

  • Glue-free
  • Reusable
  • Temperature-resistant

Applications

  • Manufacturing
  • Medical & biotechnology
  • Robotics
  • Packaging

UN Sustainable Development Goals Addressed

  • Goal 9: Industry Innovation & Infrastructure

The Challenge

Adhesives are used in every industry and are an essential part of everyday life. However, traditional adhesives are single-use and often use a strong glue that can leave a sticky residue once removed.

Innovation Details

Magink uses a patented preparation process to create a versatile, removable adhesive. It uses Van der Waals forces to adhere to a surface, similar to a gecko. The preparation process involves the dispersion of a homopolymer, vinyl chloride, with a high content of free hydroxyls. The free hydroxyl content is controlled by a vegetable ethoxylate surfactant. The combination of these ingredients creates a material with extreme temporary adherence due to the high Van der Waals forces that occur when placed on a surface. The material can still be easily removed without leaving behind a residue.

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Biological Model

Geckos have amazing adhesive abilities and can stick to almost any surface. Their toe pads are covered in millions of small hair-like projections called setae. These setae branch further into hundreds of nano-scale structures that end in tiny discs called spatulae. This multi-scale branching gives gecko feet a very high surface area. Spatulae stick to surfaces by Van der Waals forces that occur between all molecules. Although these forces are individually weak, the high surface area of all the spatulae combined means the forces add up and enable geckos to adhere quickly and easily to surfaces.