Journal of Bionic Engineering (2025) 22:755–766 https://doi.org/10.1007/s42235-024-00645-w

Biomimetic Manipulation of Smooth Solid Surfaces for Vacuum High-Temperature and Vibration Environments 

Jiachun Zhang1  · Tingwei Huo1  · Yuanming Ji1  · Haozhen Zhan1  · Shixun Fu1  · Jianming Wu2  · Xipeng Wang2  ·  Keju Ji1

1 Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bionic Materials and Equipment,  Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics,  Nanjing 210016, China 

 2 Nanjing Adhesion Technology Co., Ltd, Nanjing  211200, China

Abstract 

In the fields of optoelectronics and semiconductors, reliable fixation and handling of brittle materials (glass, wafer, etc.) in  high-temperature, vacuum, and vibration environments face particular technical challenges. These challenges include the  inability of suction cups in a vacuum, the residue of chemical adhesives, and the easy damage of mechanical clamping. In  this paper, fluorine-based bionic adhesive pads (FBAPs) obtained using molding technology to imitate gecko micropillar  arrays are presented. FBAPs inhibit the substantial decay of adhesive properties at high temperatures and provide stable  and reliable performance in vacuum and vibration environments. The results demonstrated that the decayed force values  of the normal and tangential strength of the FBAP were only 9.01% and 5.82% of the planar samples when warmed up  to 300 °C from 25 °C, respectively. In a vacuum, all FBAPs exhibit less than 20% adhesion attenuation, and in a vibra-tional environment, they can withstand accelerations of at least 4.27 g. The design of the microstructure arrays enables  the realization of efficient and non-destructive separation through mechanical rotation or blowing. It provides a bionic  material basis for the fixation of brittle materials on smooth surfaces under complex environments and for transportation  automation. 

Keywords High-temperature environments · van der Waals forces · Microstructure arrays · Fluoroelastomer · Interfacial  manipulation