Designing polystyrene honeycomb-like microstructure with high water adhesion

Being inspired by the attachment systems of climbing plant Parthenocissus tricuspidata, similar polystyrene (PS) honeycomb-like microstructure was fabricated via a novel hierarchical anodic aluminum oxide (HAAO) template. This template was prepared by a new raw material: silica gel chromatography plate (aluminum foil). Characterized results revealed that the prepared polystyrene layer is hydrophilic and has a high adhesion with water. These findings are very guidable for designing advanced composite adhesive materials in future. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.