I'm looking for a material or combination of materials that will
exhibit the properties of absorbency and stickiness, or even just
stickiness in the presence of moisture.  By stickiness, I don't mean
glue, but the way rubber can be sticky if you step on it with bare
feet, more to the point, bare, sweaty feet.

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Request for Question Clarification by lot-ga on 26 Aug 2002 15:13 PDT

Hello springbird-ga,
to clarify
1. Dry state = non sticky
2. Wet state = sticky 
3. Cycle to be repeated?
e.g. a postage stamp becomes sticky when wet but cannot be repeated.
regards lot-ga

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Clarification of Question by springbird-ga on 28 Aug 2002 08:07 PDT

I'm really looking for more of a rubber product, as in an exercise
mat. So, to answer your question, dry state - sticky, wet state -
sticky and repeatable.  What I envision is a type of rubber or a
combination of rubber and something else that will absorb the moisture
and still maintain it's stickiness.
I'd like to know if such a product exists or where I might go to try
to develop such a thing.

I wonder whether the material that is used in washable lint-rollers
might meet your need. This is a gummy substance similar to the rubbery
stuff that "wall-walker" toys were made of, some years ago. It is not
a gluey substance, since it doesn't leave a film or deposit on you
when touched, but it is very, very sticky.

What about surf board wax.

Sounds interesting, but I'm wondering whether it can withstand the
weight of a person.  Something to pursue, tho, thanks.