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Exploiting the Synergy between Concentrated Polymer Brushes and Laser Surface Texturing to Achieve Durable
Sorin-Cristian Vlădescu1,2, Chiharu Tadokoro3, Mayu Miyazaki2
1Tribology Group, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington, Exhibition Road, London SW7 2AZ, U.K.
ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
|March 25, 2022
Summary
This study reveals that combining concentrated polymer brushes (CPBs) with laser-produced surface textures (LST) significantly reduces friction to superlubricity levels. This synergy also enhances CPB durability by up to 34% via lateral support mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Tribology
- Materials Science
- Surface Engineering
Background:
- Friction causes substantial energy loss (23% of global consumption).
- Concentrated polymer brushes (CPBs) show potential for superlubricity (friction coefficient < 0.01).
- Mechanisms of CPB wear performance remain under-explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of CPBs and laser-produced surface textures (LST) on friction and wear.
- To simultaneously assess friction, film thickness, and wear behavior in situ.
- To elucidate the underlying mechanisms of CPB performance and failure.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a custom-built optical test apparatus for in situ analysis.
- Grafted CPBs onto the finest reported laser-etched micron-sized dimple surface textures.
- Performed simultaneous measurements of friction, film thickness, and wear at low sliding speeds.
Main Results:
- Achieved a coefficient of friction as low as 0.0006 with combined CPB-LST, demonstrating superlubricity.
- Enhanced CPB durability by up to 34% through a lateral support mechanism from LST micro-features.
- Identified CPB failure mechanisms, providing insights into wear resistance.
Conclusions:
- The synergistic combination of CPBs and LST offers a promising approach to minimize friction and wear.
- Lateral support from LST micro-features is crucial for improving CPB durability.
- Understanding failure propagation mechanisms is key for developing advanced CPB applications in areas like low-speed bearings.
