Lubricity of Surface Hydrogel Layers

Many biological interfaces provide low friction aqueous lubrication through the generation and maintenance of a high water content polymeric surface gel. The lubricity of such gels is often attributed to their high water content, high water permeability, low elastic modulus, and their ability to promote a water film at the sliding interface. Such biological systems are frequently characterized as “soft,” where the elastic moduli are on the order of megapascals or even kilopascals. In an effort to explore the efficacy of such systems to provide lubricity, a thin and soft hydrogel surface layer (~5 μm in thickness) with a water content of over >80 % was constructed on a silicone hydrogel contact lens, which has a water content of approximately 33 %. Nanoindentation measurements with colloidal probes on atomic force microscopy (AFM) cantilevers revealed an exceedingly soft elastic modulus of ~25 kPa. Microtribological experiments at low contact pressures (6–30 kPa) and at slow sliding speeds (5–200 μm/s) gave average friction coefficients below μ = 0.02. However, at higher contact pressures, the gel collapsed and friction loops showed a pronounced stick–slip behavior with breakloose or static friction coefficient above μ = 0.5. Thus, the ability of the soft surface hydrogel layers to provide lubricity is dependent on their ability to support the applied pressure without dehydrating. These transitions were found to be reversible and experiments with different radii probes revealed that the transition pressures to be on the order of 10–20 kPa.     

Evaluation of a superior lubrication mechanism with biphasic hydrogels for artificial cartilage

To extend the durability of artificial joints, biomimetic artificial hydrogel cartilage is proposed as a way of improving the lubrication mechanism in artificial joints. The application of hydrogels with properties similar to those of articular cartilage can be expected to duplicate the superior load-carrying capacity and lubricating ability of natural synovial joints. Frictional behaviors with three kinds of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels with high water content were examined in reciprocating tests. Interstitial fluid pressure, von Mises stress and fluid flow were compared in biphasic finite element analysis, and frictional behavior was evaluated in terms of biphasic lubrication and surface lubricity. Hybrid gel prepared by a combination of cast-drying and freeze-thawing methods showed superior low friction.     

Thixotropic Mechanics in Soft Hydrated Sliding Interfaces

Soft hydrated permeable surfaces exhibit unique lubrication behaviors, including recently discovered frictional hysteresis. This duration-dependent frictional effect can be analogous to the thixotropic fluid response under shear-driven Couette flow. We illustrate torque-speed hysteresis loops using tribo-rheometry measurements between an aluminum annulus and polyacrylamide surface. Frictional torque response was measured under stepwise sliding speed increments at five different step durations. The torque-sliding speed curves exhibit hysteresis loops and the shape of the hysteresis loops depends on step durations. Longer duration shows greater hysteresis with higher average friction. Torque curves at highest speeds converge to one line with a power law exponent of α?=?0.7. Based on the experimental data, a hydrogel lubrication model was developed using a thixotropic fluid model, where viscosity change is described as a competition between structural buildup and breakdown. Simulation using the model correlates well with the experimental results, indicating the existence of effective structural change on the hydrogel surface.     

Tribology-optimised silk protein hydrogels for articular cartilage repair

Porous hydrogels were made from silk fibre as potential materials for cartilage repair. The aim was to develop materials which mimicked the tribological behaviour of cartilage, with controlled pore-sizes and optimised mechanical properties. Mechanical tests showed hydrogels had a comparable compressive modulus to cartilage, with stiffness improved by decreasing pore size. Under static loading and during shear hydrogels demonstrated significant interstitial fluid support. Friction testing showed the hydrogels had a cartilage-like frictional response, dominated by this interstitial fluid support. Silk hydrogels showed little wear, early signs of which were changes in surface morphology that did not correlate with the equilibrium friction coefficient. Consequently both wear and friction should be monitored when assessing the tribological performance of hydrogels.     

Friction Coefficient Measurement of an In Vivo Murine Cornea

Ocular tear film mucins and lipids promote lubricity of the corneal surface during ocular movements. The mechanisms of this lubricity are difficult to model and to measure due to the delicate nature of the film itself and the conditions under which it exists. This study describes a kinetic friction coefficient measured between a glass probe and a living mouse eye. A portable custom micro-tribometer was used to prescribe sliding motions and record normal and frictional forces. Friction coefficient measured over both sliding directions resulted in µ = 0.068 under a pressure of approximately 12 kPa. In vivo measurements may enhance the understanding of corneal friction response, as well as provide an empirical friction coefficient for more complex mechanical models.     

Tribological principles of developing medicinal preparations based on blood serum as a liquid-crystalline medium for therapeutic correction of synovial joints

It is established experimentally using a pendulum tribometer that medical preparations based on hyaluronates and chondroitin sulfate exert unequal effects on the lubricity of blood serum during friction of cartilage against cartilage. The best tribological characteristics for the combinations with blood serum are demonstrated by drugs based on chondroitin sulfate, which display characteristics close to natural synovial fluid during frictional interaction of cartilage.     

表面微凹坑和纹理方向对界面摩擦的耦合影响

选取三种不同纹理的铝合金试样,并在试样上加工不同面积占有率的规则圆形微凹坑,利用自制的摩擦试验装置,在油润滑条件下以不同接触压力进行摩擦试验,试验过程中滑动方向与表面纹理方向的夹角分别为0°、45°、90°。利用非接触式三维轮廓仪测量试验前后试样的三维表面形貌,并选取Sa、Str、Vvv、Vvc等表面表征参数来分析滑动接触界面表面形貌的变化。结果表明：表面纹理方向的差异导致铝合金表面在滑动接触摩擦过程中表现出各向异性,而在其表面加工不同面积占有率的微凹坑,减弱了铝合金表面纹理方向性对界面摩擦的影响,反映出表面微凹坑和纹理对界面摩擦的耦合作用。同时界面摩擦对试件的表面形貌也有明显的影响,Str、Vvv、Vvc在试验后发生了规律性的变化。     

Dry friction between flat surfaces: multistable elasticity vs. material transfer and plastic deformation

A generic model for frictional forces between two monoatomic crystals is investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. Two solids, each composed of several atomic layers, are brought into contact and moved against each other. The mechanisms that lead to finite pinning (static friction) forces are analyzed by varying the geometry, the interfacial interaction, and the externally applied force. Material transfer leading to welded junctions is seen to be responsible for friction between strongly adhering surfaces. Chemically passivated surfaces pin if they deform plastically. In no region of the model's parameter range can finite frictional forces be attributed to multistable elasticity. Such wearless pinning mechanisms play the predominant role in Frenkel–Kontorova and Tomlinson models. In the parameter range where pinning is observed, externally driven sliding induces wear at the interface.     

Influence of humidity on the friction of diamond and diamond-like carbon materials

The friction of diamond and diamond-like carbon (DLC) materials was evaluated in reciprocating sliding wear testing under controlled relative humidity. The testing conditions were a displacement stroke of 100 μm, an oscillatory frequency of 8 Hz and a normal load of 2 N. The coefficient of friction of diamond and hydrogen-free DLC (a-C) coatings against a corundum sphere in the steady regime decreased with an increase in relative humidity. A water layer physisorbed at the interface between the mating surfaces played two major roles: acting as a lubricant and increasing the true area of contact. However, it was noticed that the friction coefficient of the hydrogenated DLC (a-C:H) coatings first increased and then decreased with increasing relative humidity in the steady state. There appeared to be a critical relative humidity for the a-C:H coatings, at which the steady-state friction reached the maximum value. The frictional behaviour of the a-C:H coatings also showed dependence on the wear test duration. The interaction between hydrogen and oxygen at the interface between the a-C:H coating and water layer was mainly responsible for such behaviour.     

Role of Frictional Heating in Rubber Friction

The energy dissipation in the contact regions between solids in sliding contact can result in high local temperatures which may strongly affect the friction. This is the case for rubber sliding on road surfaces at speeds above 1 mm/s. I derive equations which describe the frictional heating for arbitrary (non-uniform) motion, taking into account that some of the frictional energy is produced inside the rubber due to the internal friction in rubber. Numerical results are presented for one limiting case for steady sliding.     

In Situ Studies of Cartilage Microtribology: Roles of Speed and Contact Area

The progression of local cartilage surface damage toward early stage osteoarthritis (OA) likely depends on the severity of the damage and its impact on the local lubrication and stress distribution in the surrounding tissue. It is difficult to study the local responses using traditional methods; in situ microtribological methods are being pursued here as a means to elucidate the mechanical aspects of OA progression. While decades of research have been dedicated to the macrotribological properties of articular cartilage, the microscale response is unclear. An experimental study of healthy cartilage microtribology was undertaken to assess the physiological relevance of a microscale friction probe. Normal forces were on the order of 50 mN. Sliding speed varied from 0 to 5 mm/s, and two probes radii, 0.8 and 3.2 mm, were used in the study. In situ measurements of the indentation depth into the cartilage enabled calculations of contact area, effective elastic modulus, elastic and fluid normal force contributions, and the interfacial friction coefficient. This work resulted in the following findings: (1) at high sliding speed (V = 1–5 mm/s), the friction coefficient was low (μ = 0.025) and insensitive to probe radius (0.8–3.2 mm) despite the fourfold difference in the resulting contact areas; (2) the contact area was a strong function of the probe radius and sliding speed; (3) the friction coefficient was proportional to contact area when sliding speed varied from 0.05 to 5 mm/s; (4) the fluid load support was greater than 85% for all sliding conditions (0% fluid support when V = 0) and was insensitive to both probe radius and sliding speed. The findings were consistent with the adhesive theory of friction; as speed increased, increased effective hardness reduced the area of solid–solid contact which subsequently reduced the friction force. Where the severity of the sliding conditions dominates the wear and degradation of typical engineering tribomaterials, the results suggest that joint motion is actually beneficial for maintaining low matrix stresses, low contact areas, and effective lubrication for the fluid-saturated porous cartilage tissue. Further, the results demonstrated effective pressurization and lubrication beneath single asperity microscale contacts. With carefully designed experimental conditions, local friction probes can facilitate more fundamental studies of cartilage lubrication, friction and wear, and potentially add important insights into the mechanical mechanisms of OA.     

Influence of Surface Roughness, Material and Climate Conditions on the Friction of Human Skin

The gliding comfort and performance of personal care and wellness products is strongly influenced by the sliding friction behaviour of human skin. In the open literature, most of the results on skin friction are related to the performance of cosmetic products or to the slip and grip properties of surfaces. Experiments were usually carried out on the forearm or the fingertips. The influence of the surface roughness and the material of engineering surfaces have received little attention so far, especially not in sliding contact with the skin of the cheek, or under different climate conditions. A custom-built rotating ring device was used to study the influence of the probe surface roughness (R _a = 0.1–10 μm), the probe material (metals, plastics), the climate conditions (21–29 °C, 37–92% RH) and skin hydration on the frictional behaviour of the skin on the cheek and the forearm. The amplitude of the surface roughness has a dominant influence on the friction behaviour: the smoother the surface, the higher the friction. Differences can be as large as a factor 5–10, especially in the range R _a < 1 μm. The probe material itself has no significant influence; except for PFTE which reduces the friction by approximately 25% compared to the other materials. In a humid climate, the skin becomes hydrated and the friction is twice as high as in a dry climate. The effect of skin hydration is smaller on the cheek than on the forearm, probably due to the presence of beard stubbles. A simple friction model for human skin is presented, based on adhesion friction, contact mechanics of rough surfaces and the interfacial shear stress of thin organic films. The model explains the effects of the probe surface roughness and skin compliance. Quantitative application of the model indicates that the biomechanical indentation and shearing behaviour of the stratum corneum is influenced by the same physical process, i.e. the intercellular bonding strength of the corneocytes.     

表面空气对制动力矩的影响

研究了摩擦表面流动的空气对摩擦力的影响。通过制动模拟试验，对4种不同表面形状衬片的制动力矩-时间曲线的波动幅度进行了比较分析，根据摩擦表面中流动空气的不同工作特性，建立了相应的简图进行了详细的说明：试验结果表明：在摩擦热的作用下，表面空气的温度升高，气压增加，从而削弱了工作载荷对表面的作用力，使摩擦力矩产生波动。随着制动速度的下降，热空气对摩擦力矩波动的影响减小。制动时，摩擦盘带入表面的空气越多，空气对摩擦力矩的影响就越大；摩擦表面存留的热空气越多，热空气对摩擦力矩的影响就越大。     

Correlation between the frictional behaviour and the physical properties of metals

The surface topography of mating surfaces is characterized by plastically deformed asperities which form real areas of contact. As sliding leads to the shearing of junctions, it is feasible that physical properties will affect adhesion and shear strength and influence frictional behaviour.The sliding friction of similar metals and of metals sliding against a steel specimen was investigated for most commonly used metals in terms of their fundamental physical properties including atomic volume, surface energy and thermal properties.     

Influence of electric current on the static friction of metal surfaces in air

The static coefficients of friction of aluminium, copper, brass and tin interfaces and aluminium mated with copper, brass and tin have been measured at light mechanical loading with the simultaneous passage of 50 Hz alternating current through the interface. When one surface was aluminium the friction was seen to decrease with increasing current. With brass/brass and copper/copper surfaces there was little dependence on current, while for tin/tin surfaces there was an increase in friction. These results indicate that the performance of aluminium power connectors which rely on frictional forces to maintain mechanical integrity may be in doubt during fault current conditions.     

双粗糙面滑动过程摩擦因数的变化分析

采用W-M函数建立具有分形特征的三维双粗糙面接触模型,考虑了接触界面间的黏着效应,在滑动速度、法向载荷及界面剪切强度等参数变化下,运用有限元方法探讨了粗糙体在滑动过程中摩擦因数的变化情况。结果显示,滑动速度、法向载荷及界面剪切强度等参数对摩擦因数的变化有一定的影响,边界润滑工况下平均摩擦因数为0.28,无润滑工况下平均摩擦因数为0.713,最大界面剪切强度时的平均摩擦因数为0.73;随着界面剪切强度的减小、法向载荷的增大、滑动速度的增加,滑动摩擦因数有所减小。与相关文献结论或实验结果进行比较,证明了上述结果的正确性。分析结果可为摩擦学设计和摩擦材料的制备提供理论参考。     

The effect of contact stress on cartilage friction, deformation and wear

Following hip hemiarthroplasty, a metal femoral head articulates against natural acetabular cartilage. Cartilage friction and wear may be influenced by variables including loading time, contact stress, contact area, sliding distance, and sliding speed. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of these variables on cartilage friction, deformation and wear in a simulation using idealized geometry model. Bovine cartilage pins were reciprocated against metal plates to mimic a hemiarthroplasty articulation under static loading. The effective coefficient of friction (micro elf) under contact stresses (0.5 to 16 MPa), contact areas (12 and 64 mm2), stroke lengths (4 and 8 mm), sliding velocities (4 and 8 mm/s), and loading time (1 and 24 hours) were studied. The permanent deformation of cartilage (after 24 hours of recovery) with and without motion was recorded to assess cartilage linear wear. The micro eff was found to remain < 0.35 with contact stresses < or =4 MPa. Severe damage to the cartilage occurred at contact stresses > 8 MPa and significantly increased micro eff after 12 hours of reciprocation. In long-term, contact area had no significant effect on micro eff, and sliding distance and velocity only affected micro eff under low contact stresses. The cartilage linear wear increased with contact stress, sliding distance and velocity.     

Lubrication regimes in contact lens wear during a blink

When the eyelid blinks down over a soft hydrogel contact lens, the tear film is partitioned or even consumed by the contact lens, introducing relative sliding on both sides against the corneal epithelium and the eyelid wiper. This work presents a numerical fluid model of the resulting pressures and sliding speeds in both pairs of sliding. Between the eyelid wiper and front curve surface, contact pressures ranged 12–18 kPa for initial eyelid wiper sliding speeds of 10–100 mm/s, with corresponding aqueous film thicknesses of 260–820 nm. Maximum contact lens deflection was 0.5%. Sliding with those conditions points to a hydrodynamic regime, while the base curve/cornea sliding more likely falls in the boundary regime. A lubrication curve is presented for hydrated contacts under ocular sliding and loading conditions.     

Simulation of surface topography with the method of movable cellular automata

Development of surface topography of two solids in a frictional contact is studied with the method of movable cellular automata. After the running-in process, the bodies are separated and the surface power spectra of both bodies are determined. The power spectra show a dependence on the wave vector, which is typical for fractal surfaces. It is shown, that roughness parameters of friction surface depend on relative velocity of sliding and external pressure.     

Temperature Dependence of Friction at the Nanoscale: When the Unexpected Turns Normal

The dynamics of frictional motion have been studied for hundreds of years, yet many key aspects of these important processes are not understood. The main challenge in predicting frictional response is the complexity of highly non-equilibrium processes going on in any tribological contact. This includes the continuous detachment and reattachment of multiple microscopic junctions at the sliding interface, the kinetics of which are controlled by the interface temperature. Our experiments reveal a non-monotonic enhancement of dry nanoscale friction at cryogenic temperatures for different material classes. We propose a model that reproduces the experimental observations and shows that the peak in temperature dependence of friction emerges from two competing processes acting at the interface: the thermally activated formation as well as the rupturing of an ensemble of atomic contacts. Our experiments and simulations provide a direct link between the temperature and velocity dependencies of friction, thus offering a new conceptual framework to describe the dynamics of dry nanoscale friction.