Friction at Soft Polymer Surfaces: Lubrication Effect of Oil Impregnation

TL;DR

This paper reviews the mechanisms of molecular interactions at soft polymer surfaces and discusses how oil impregnation influences their lubrication and frictional behavior, supported by experimental data and analysis of instabilities.

Contribution

It provides a comprehensive review of the evolution of models describing polymer surface relaxations and friction, highlighting the effects of oil impregnation on lubrication.

Findings

Oil impregnation reduces friction at soft polymer surfaces.

Polymer surfaces exhibit various instabilities during sliding.

Experimental data supports the role of molecular relaxations in friction behavior.

Abstract

The modes of attachments, detachments and relaxations of molecules of rubbers and gels on solid surfaces are keys to understanding their frictional properties. An early stochastic model of polymer relaxations on surfaces was given by Schallamach, which has now evolved in various ways. A review of these developments is presented along with the experimental data that elucidate the kinetic friction of smooth rubber against smooth surfaces. These soft rubbers exhibit various types of instabilities while sliding on surfaces. A few examples of these instabilities are provided.