Inspired by the extraordinary adhesive power of geckos, Auriane Despax-Ferreres explores during her thesis the design of surface microstructures that can compete with the conductive performance of classical methods. The innovative approach opens the way to a new generation of devices, which will be at once flexible, slightly stretchable, and detachable, without leaving any residue on materials to be reused many times – an unprecedented feat for this type of method.
Passionate about materials science, Auriane started her academic career with a DUT in physical measurements in Toulouse. Continuing with a Master in Materials Engineering at Pau University, she delved into the science of materials, specializing in polymers.
Auriane took on a major challenge with her thesis, developing for the first time a method of localized electrical conductivity in a gecko inspired adhesive. The resulting object comprises a structured double-sided film that is conducive locally using vias filled with a screen-printed conductive composite. Auriane is pleased with her thesis findings, having developed a new surface microstructure. Double-sided microstructured tapes inspired by geckos, show adhesive properties amount to 15 N/cm², in addition to reaching excellent state-of-the-art values, its conductivity is in the order of 10-1 S/m. This opens the way to microelectronic breakthroughs.
These biomimetic microstructures pave the way to a new generation of devices used in flexible electronics, including in the biomedical field of wearable objects. Her thesis also seeks to dismantle electronic devices, which would facilitate the recycling of electronic compounds.
“My advice for future PhD students? Cultivate unquenchable curiosity! It’s an essential driver for research, particularly in microelectronics, a field I find infinitely fascinating.“
“I am particularly interested in research that involves bioinspired materials. Continuing on with a postdoctoral contract in France or abroad would give me a precious opportunity to specialize and build up knowledge in the field of bioinspired materials.“
Acknowledgments: Jean-Charles-Souriau, Audrey Martinent, Lara Jabbour