Adhesive Collection (#2)

Sundew carnivorous plant leaf, SEM
Sundew leaf. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the sticky stalks (red) on the leaf of a cape sundew (Drosera capensis), a carnivorous plant

Jordan, Jerash. Local modern-day stone mason continues preservation efforts on the 2, 000-year-old Roman city of Jerash, Jordan

Spiders web, SEM
Spiders web. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of threads of spiders silk (yellow) encasing a woodlouse. Silk is produced from silk glands in the abdomen of the spider

Yellow dung flys foot, SEM
Yellow dung fly (Scatophaga stercoraria) foot, coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM). The two claws (pale brown) are used to grip rough surfaces

Insect foot, SEM
Insect foot. Coloured electron micrograph (SEM) of an unidentified insects foot. The foot consists of adhesive pads (red, upper left and right)

Hercules beetle foot, SEM
Hercules beetle foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the foot of a hercules beetle (Dynastes hercules). The foot comprises a pair of hooked claws (centre)

Gecko robot foot
Synthetic gecko toes. Toes from a robot foot designed to mimic (biomimetics) the foot of a gecko. The robot foot is made of a dry adhesive polymer

SpinybotII climbing robot, scaling a wall. This robot has been designed to mimic (biomimetics) the climbing ability of insects and spiders

Polyurethane glue, SEM
Polyurethane glue. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of polyurethane glue between two surfaces. This glue hardens through a chemical reaction with the small amounts of moisture present

Sticking plaster. Cut finger with a partially removed plaster

Fruit label. Sticker on an organic apple showing the variety of apple and the country of origin

PLM of a polypropylene film for adhesive plasters
Polypropylene film. Polarised light micrograph of a polypropylene (a type of plastic) film. From close up it can be seen that the film is a symmetrical pattern of hollow triangles

Sticking tape, SEM
Sticky tape. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the adhesive side of a piece of sticky tape. This cellulose tape has a pressure- sensitive adhesive coating on one side

Sellotape, light micrograph
Sellotape, polarised light micrograph

Postage stamp adhesive, SEM

Glue droplet, SEM
Dried glue droplet. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the cracked surface of a dried droplet of glue. Magnification unknown

Post-it note adhesive, SEM
Post-it note. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of spheres of adhesive (yellow) on the back of a Post-it note. The spheres contain an adhesive

Beetle foot, SEM
Beetle foot. Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of the surface of the foot of a common pollen beetle (Meligethes aeneus). These modified foot hairs provide adhesion

Flies caught on flypaper

Burs of Greater Burdock Arctium lappa in autumn. Dorset
ROG-13346 Burs of Greater Burdock - in autumn Dorset. UK Arctium lappa Bob Gibbons Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Bewitched apple (toffee apples) at Christmas, Alexander Platz, Berlin, Germany, Europe

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Adhesive: Sticking the World Together From the humble beginnings of a postage stamp to the intricate workings of activated platelets, it has played an essential role in our lives. In 1840, the Penny Black of Great Britain revolutionized mail delivery as the world's first adhesive postage stamp. Engraved by Frederick Heath and printed by Perkins Bacon & Co. , it marked a significant milestone in communication. But adhesive's influence extends beyond paper and letters. Flies trapped on flypaper serve as a testament to its sticky power, capturing these pesky insects effortlessly. The microscopic world reveals another fascinating application - activated platelets observed under scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These tiny cells use adhesion to form blood clots, crucial for wound healing and preventing excessive bleeding. Moving from biology to everyday life, Owen Owen's Fablon display showcases how they are transform spaces with vibrant patterns and colors. This versatile material allows for endless creativity in interior design. In aviation history, Charles H. Hubbell immortalized iconic aircraft models through static displays using adhesive bonds that held them together flawlessly. The Wright C model from 1953 captures the essence of flight innovation pioneered by Orville and Wilbur Wright themselves. Similarly, Hubbell's Wright Glider model pays homage to their early experiments that paved the way for modern aviation. The Curtiss D model from around 1940 represents another triumph where adhesive played a vital role in constructing this legendary aircraft known for its speed and maneuverability. Henri Farman's model from 1933 showcases yet another masterpiece brought together by skilled hands guided by adhesives. Beyond aviation lies other technological marvels like German-made altimeters that rely on precise adhesion mechanisms created by CP Goerz. Meanwhile, the X-33 VentureStar Reusable Launch Vehicle model from the 1990s hints at futuristic space exploration made possible through innovative bonding techniques.