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Local Shearing Force Measurement during Frictional Sliding Using Fluorogenic Mechanophores
Chao-Chun Hsu1, Feng-Chun Hsia2,3, Bart Weber2,3
1van't Hoff Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
The Journal of Physical Chemistry Letters
|September 16, 2022
Summary
Researchers visualized microscopic shear forces during sliding contacts using a fluorogenic mechanophore. They found macroscopic friction accurately reflects microscopic behavior, with slip propagating inward before sliding begins.
Area of Science:
- Tribology
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Macroscopic friction arises from numerous microscopic contacts between surface asperities.
- Understanding the evolution of shear forces at these contacts is crucial for predicting sliding behavior.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the evolution of microscopic shear forces during the transition from static to dynamic friction.
- To visualize and quantify local interfacial shear forces at the asperity level.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a fluorogenic mechanophore to dynamically visualize and quantify local interfacial shear force.
- Applied shear force to macroscopic objects and observed contact breaking events.
Main Results:
- The macroscopic coefficient of friction correlates well with microscopic friction measurements.
- Observed that slip initiates at the edges and propagates towards the center of the contact area before macroscopic sliding.
Conclusions:
- The study provides a localized understanding of how surfaces initiate sliding.
- Fluorogenic mechanophores offer a powerful tool for studying dynamic friction processes at the nanoscale.
