Friction and wettability of a micro-textured elastomer: Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS)

Bo He*, Wei Chen, Q. Jane Wang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

The effect of surface textures on the friction of Poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) elastomer was investigated at both macro and micro scales using a nanoindenter. Friction tests were conducted by means of a stainless-steel bearing ball with a diameter of 1.6mm (macro scale tests) and a Rockwell diamond tip with a radius of curvature of 25μm (micro scale tests), under normal loads of 5, 10, and 25mN and with a sliding speed of 1μm/sec. The coefficient of friction (COF) obtained using the textured surface is found to be much lower than that using the flat surface of the same material, and it was reduced by about 59% in the macro scale tests and 38% in the micro scale tests. COFs in different sliding directions on the groove-textured surfaces were compared, and the friction behaviors were analyzed. It is also found that surface texture (roughness) can tune surface wettability from medium hydrophobic to superhydrophobic. The experimental results (contact angles) were compared with theoretical predictions, and possible explanations were given.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationProceedings of STLE/ASME International Joint Tribology Conference, IJTC 2006
PublisherAmerican Society of Mechanical Engineers
ISBN (Print)0791837890, 9780791837894
DOIs
StatePublished - 2006
EventSTLE/ASME International Joint Tribology Conference, IJTC 2006 - San Antonio, TX, United States
Duration: Oct 23 2006Oct 25 2006

Publication series

NameProceedings of STLE/ASME International Joint Tribology Conference, IJTC 2006
Volume2006

Other

OtherSTLE/ASME International Joint Tribology Conference, IJTC 2006
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CitySan Antonio, TX
Period10/23/0610/25/06

Keywords

  • Friction
  • Micro molding
  • PDMS elastomer
  • Roughness effect
  • Superhydrophobic
  • Surface texture effect
  • Wettability

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Engineering(all)

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