In Situ Observation of Micro-Patterned Elastomeric Surfaces: The Formation of the Area of Real Contact and the Influence on Its Friction and Deformation Behaviour

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

Authors

  • Andreas Hausberger
  • Marina Pecora
  • Damien Favier
  • Elisabeth Rossegger
  • Martin Tockner
  • Thomas Ules
  • Matthias Haselmann
  • Christian Gauthier

External Organisational units

  • Polymer Competence Center Leoben GmbH
  • Institut Charles Sadron

Abstract

Structured surfaces, which are the basis of the lotus blossom effect, have great potential to serve/operate as functionalised surfaces, i.e., surfaces with specific and/or adjustable properties. In the present study, the aim is to use micro-structured elastomeric surfaces to specifically influence the friction and deformation behaviours on the basis of the shape and arrangement of the structures. Thiol-acrylate-based photopolymers patterned via nanoimprint lithography were investigated by using an in situ tribological measurement set-up. A clear influence of the different structures on the surface’s friction behaviour could be shown, and, furthermore, this could be brought into relation with the real area of contact. This finding provides an important contribution to further development steps, namely, to give the structures switchable properties in order to enable the control of friction properties in a targeted manner.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number6489
Number of pages17
Journal Materials
Volume16.2023
Issue number19
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 29 Sept 2023