Controlled Dry Adhesion of Bio-Inspired Fibrillar Polymers: Mechanics, Strategies, and Recent Advances

Recent advancements in tunable adhesion technologies have broadened the scope of applications for bio-inspired fibrillar adhesives. This review highlights the latest developments in controlled adhesion mechanisms, with a focus on bio-inspired fibrillar systems. We examine key theoretical foundations and progress in controllable adhesion, including contact mechanics, contact splitting efficiency, fracture mechanics, and the interplay between adhesion and friction. Various factors influencing adhesion strength are discussed alongside optimization approaches and innovative designs that enhance performance. The review also covers recent research on switchable adhesion strategies, with an emphasis on methods for regulating surface contact, stress distribution, and shear force control. Finally, we identify the primary challenges and future directions in the field, outlining areas that require further exploration and technological development. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current advancements and offer insights to guide future research in the evolving field of tunable adhesion technologies.