Abstract

Polyacrylamide (PAAm) hydrogels are excellent synthetic materials for in vitro biotribology studies. Recent work with hydrogels sliding in a Gemini contact has revealed unique friction behavior at low speed that is contrary to the classic Stribeck curve. In these interfaces the friction coefficients are minimum at low speeds and appear to be speed-independent. In this report, we investigate the role of mesh size, ξ, on the low friction regime, termed thermal fluctuation lubrication, and we also explore the origins of a transition from this behavior at higher speeds to polymer relaxation lubrication. PAAm hydrogels of varying concentration were prepared and tested in a Gemini configuration using a pin-on-disk microtribometer with an applied load of 2 mN and over a range of sliding speeds from 0.03 mm/s to 100 mm/s. We found that increasing mesh size or decreasing polymer concentration promotes lower friction coefficients. Many samples underwent a transition from a low friction behavior to an increasing friction coefficient with increasing sliding speed that scaled with speed to the 1/2 power. This transition speed was found to correlate with the mesh size and relaxation time of the polymer network.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.