The co-effect of microstructures and mucus on the adhesion of abalone from a mechanical perspective

Abstract

Reliable and reversible adhesion underwater is challenging due to the water molecules and weak layers of contaminants at the contact interface, which requires to deepen the understanding of wet adhesion of biological surfaces. Herein, the co-effect of microstructures and mucus of abalone foot on wet adhesion is investigated from both experimental and theoretical perspectives. The morphologies, adhesion force and coefficient of friction indicate that the mucus in adhesion zone is crucial for successful attachment of abalone based on capillary forces and viscous forces, and the mucus in non-adhesion zone with lower adhesion force and friction coefficient may behave as a lubricant for the locomotion. The theoretical calculation manifests that the microstructures may help abalone to form multiple liquid bridges with the secreted mucus, and significantly increase the wet adhesion force of abalone. These findings will bring profound views into the underlying mechanisms of biological surface adhesion.