Alix J. Coonfield
Papers
1
Total Citations
2
H-Index
1
About
Alix J. Coonfield is a leading researcher in bioadhesion and biomimetic materials, with a primary focus on the remarkable adhesive properties of spider silk. Her work centers on understanding how orb-weaving spiders use viscid silk—a glue-coated fiber—to capture prey across a wide range of surfaces, from smooth glass to the complex, waxy cuticles of insects. Coonfield’s major contribution lies in demonstrating that spider glue achieves strong adhesion not by relying on a single surface type, but by optimizing both spreading and bulk cohesion, even on challenging substrates with varying roughness and surface energy. Her highly cited 2025 paper, "Viscid silk in spider orb webs adheres strongly across surfaces with different roughnesses and surface energies," has already garnered 2 citations, reflecting its immediate impact on the field. This work is notable for its potential to inspire new synthetic adhesives that perform reliably in diverse environments. Coonfield’s research bridges biology and materials science, offering insights into nature’s most efficient adhesive systems and paving the way for innovations in medical tapes, robotics, and industrial bonding.
Research Focus
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Top Papers
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