Super-Strong German Steel Velcro: Not for Sneakers
German-created steel fasteners can withstand loads of more than 38 tons per square meter, hook and unhook without tools Velcro has proved plenty useful as a quick fastener on shoes and other household items, but lacks the strength to resist fiery temperatures and powerful chemicals in industrial settings. Now German scientists have taken the hook-and-loop fastener concept and developed a Superman version, called Metaklett. The new Velcro's spring steel offers sticking strength of just over 38 tons per square meter when the pulling force is parallel to the fastener surface. Metaklett can also resist a perpendicular pulling force of almost 8 tons per square meter, and won't break a sweat regarding harsh chemicals and temperatures soaring over 1,472 degrees F. Researchers developed several versions of their new fastener. The "Flamingo" uses wider hooks that deform slightly to glide into the perforated steel tape holes, and then revert to...