K. S. K. Karuppiah, P. Hattan, S. Sundararajan, B. G. Trewyn, V. S. -. Y. Lin, Iowa State University of Science and Technology, Ames, IA
The ability to actively control friction properties of a surface is of great interest to both micro/nanotechnology and macroscale applications. We present our investigations on the effect of varying humidity and thermal conditions on the micro/nanotribological properties of temperature sensitive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAAM) polymer grafted films using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and microtribometry. Micro/nanoscale adhesion and friction behavior of the films are evaluated using a hydrophobized Si3N4 probe to identify switchable friction states of the films. Wear studies are also performed to assess durability of the films. This study will provide a better understanding of lubrication mechanisms at the molecular level and advance us towards realizing surfaces for active friction control.
Summary: Active control of friction properties of a surface is of great interest to a variety of applications. We present our investigations on the effect of varying humidity and thermal conditions on the micro/nanotribological properties of temperature sensitive poly-N-isopropylacrylamide (PNIPAAM) polymer-grafted films using scanning probe microscopy (SPM) and microtribometry.
