Abstract
Abstract The frictional properties of rubber surfaces modified by various treatments have been investigated in order to understand the factors which reduce the friction and give the surface appropriate qualities for practical use. The study was in two stages. Initial measurements were made on thin sheets of hot-vulcanized natural rubber; then followed tests on latex glove material to see how the initial results and understanding related to the application. Measurements of friction coefficient were made against a wavy glass plate, giving reproducible results, and against finger skin. Supplementary measurements were made of surface roughness and hardness, liquid contact angle, and water absorption. Factors of importance in the reduction of dry friction were found to be an increased surface roughness and hardness. In practice, difficulties may be experienced under slightly wet or damp conditions, which can increase the friction above the dry value. Here it was found to help if the surface treatment could absorb water. For surgeons' gloves in contact with moist skin, one particular treatment, a hydrogel polymer coating, gave the necessary surface roughness, hardness, and water absorptivity, making the gloves easy to don and pleasant to wear.
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