Changes In Surface Topography Research Articles

Surface morphology of nanostructured plasma-polymer thin films deposited under dusty plasma conditions

Plasma-polymer thin films were prepared under dusty plasma conditions. Due to their nanocomposite structure, the films showed unique mechanical properties including high elastic recovery resulting in a behaviour similar to superelasticity. The work is mainly focused on the characterization of the films by means of analytical scanning electron microscopy. We observed that variation of the deposition conditions caused substantial changes of surface topography of the deposited films. Consequently, the surface free energy varied in a wide range so it was possible to prepare films with either hydrophilic or hydrophobic properties.

Large-scale programmable assembly of functional micro-components for advanced electronics via light-regulated adhesion and polymer growth

Large-area, programmable assembly of diverse micro-objects onto arbitrary substrates is a fundamental yet challenging task. Herein a simple wafer-level micro-assembly technique based on the light-triggered change in both surface topography and interfacial adhesion of a soft photo-sensitive polymer is proposed. In particular, the light-regulated polymer growth creates locally indented and elevated zones on the stamp surface. The light-mediated adhesion reduction, on the other hand, facilitates the inks to be released from the polymer. The interplay of these two effects makes it feasible for the programmable assembly of ultra-small components onto various substrates coated with supplementary adhesive layers. The fidelity of this technique is validated by assembling diverse materials and functional devices, with the printing size up to 4-inch. This work provides a rational strategy for large-scale and programmable assembly of diverse delicate micro-objects, bypassing the common issues of some existing techniques such as poor transfer uniformity, small printing area, and high cost.

Investigating apatite (U-Th)/He thermochronologic ages to understand exhumation history of the Ethiopian Plateau

Although the Ethiopian Plateau is a prominent feature in East Africa, its exhumation history is not well constrained. For the last few decades, this history has been a topic of scientific interest due to the plateau's complicated geologic setting and thermal response to surface topographic changes. Studies of the plateau's thermal history have the potential to cast light on the numerous tectonic and geodynamic events that have affected the region since the beginning of the Mesozoic, such as Gondwana rifting, Afar mantle plume upwelling, continental flood basalt emplacement, Cenozoic continental rifting, and shield and cinder cone volcanism that has continued until the present day. We present new single-grain apatite (U-Th)/He (AHe) thermochronologic cooling ages from the Blue Nile Canyon to address the Ethiopian Plateau's exhumation history. AHe dates of 55 grains from nine Neoproterozoic basement and Mesozoic sedimentary rock samples, collected from a vertical transect of the Blue Nile Canyon, range from 58.9 ± 2.7 to 460.2 ± 34.7 Ma. Interpretation of these cooling ages is complex due to intra-sample age dispersion. We address this dispersion by systematically evaluating the ages based on standard deviation percentage, effective Uranium concentration [eU], and equivalent spherical grain radius r, which also helps select samples to generate a geologically meaningful thermal history model. Our inverse thermal history model using the Radiation Damage Accumulation and Annealing Model (RDAAM) reveals a protracted Paleozoic cooling, a gradual reheating during Permo-Mesozoic time (between ∼300 and ∼100 Ma), and a rapid cooling in the Cretaceous (∼100 Ma). This Paleozoic and Mesozoic thermal history reflects post-Pan-African orogenic denudation followed by Gondwana rift-related burial and then exhumation. A period of tectonic quiescence is reflected between ∼100 and ∼30 Ma, during which there was little to no cooling. Although our thermal model shows burial-related reheating after the flood basalt emplacement around 30 Ma and eventual cooling to present-day surface temperature, our thermochronologic data likely lack sufficient resolution to determine the details of the Neogene cooling related to incision of the Blue Nile Canyon. Our study suggests that the thermal history of the Ethiopian Plateau is dynamic and warrants further high-resolution, low-temperature thermochronologic investigation to constrain post-30 Ma river incision of the plateau.

Wear characteristics and degradation mechanism of natural pumice concrete under ice friction during ice flood season

Wear amount of ice on pumice concrete was investigated to understand wear mechanism of natural pumice concrete (NPC) during ice flood season of the Yellow River in China. Sawn NPC is used as the research object in this study. Strength grades (LC20, LC30, and LC40), ice pressure (1–5 KPa), and environment temperature (0 °C to − 20 °C) on the wear amount of natural pumice concrete as well as changes of surface topography and pore structure characteristics of NPC were analyzed with a super–depth–of–field microscope through the anti–ice wear test. Results showed that apertures increase with the increase of the wear amount because pumice aggregate and cementitious material jointly resist liquid pressure and cutting and fatigue wear modes of the NPC are caused by ice. Detached free abrasive particles cause scratches and wear on the surface and gradually form inward cracks, which cause the pore wall to break and result in the increase of apertures. A wear model with concrete strength grade, ice pressure, and environment temperature as variables combined with test data and degradation mechanism is established. The results of this study can provide a theoretical basis for the application of NPC in the Yellow River during ice flood season.

A novel multi‐functional model thermoset and PDA‐coated PU nanocomposite based on graphene and an amphiphilic block copolymer

AbstractThe need for multi‐functional biomaterials has driven researchers towards more complex multi‐component structures with tailor‐made surface modifications. In this research, thermoset polyurethanes (tPUs) of PCLy‐PEGx‐PCLy, with variable block lengths, and graphene were developed and further surface‐modified by Polydopamine (PDA) to improve cell adhesion. The viscoelastic and thermal properties of the tPUs were studied by DMA and DSC. The results proved the increased crystallization of the soft segments as the length of PCLy and PEGx blocks increased. The stress–strain results indicate the tPU nanocomposites possess high‐elastic modulus (38.46–96.17 MPa), and lower elongation (132.6%–375.9%) compared to thermoplastic PU nanocomposites. The tPU specimens proved to have very high shape recovery ratios (88.07%–94.93%). PDA surface deposition led to an increase in surface roughness and a change in surface topography. The PDA‐modified specimens showed significant improvement in protein adsorption and cell proliferation and also increased the hydrolytic degradation extent of the tPUs, proving the multi‐functional role of the biomaterials.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease and dental erosion: The role of bile acids

ObjectivesTo identify the bile acids in the saliva of patients with and without gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), and evaluate their effect on tooth surface. DesignA cross-sectional study involved 26 GERD patients and 40 controls without GERD. Dental erosions were identified, saliva was collected and analyzed with chromatography for bile acid identification. An in vitro study assessed the effect of enamel exposition to taurocholic acid in concentrations of 1 µM, 10 µM, and a mixture of taurocholic acid and glycocholic acid at 10 µM on enamel microhardness, calcium release, and surface topography. ResultsSalivary bile acids were analyzed from 22 GERD patients and 40 controls. All these participants presented taurocholic acid and glycocholic acid in the saliva. The salivary amount of taurocholic acid was greater than glycocholic acid in both GERD patients (area under the curve: 7946 vs. 1361; p < 0.001) and controls (10,815 vs. 1290; p < 0.001). The salivary amount of taurocholic acid was greater in controls than in GERD patients (10,815 vs. 7946; p < 0.001). Dental erosion was more prevalent in GERD patients than in controls (27% vs. 7%; p = 0.041). In the GERD presence, the amount of glycocholic acid was greater in patients with dental erosion (1777 vs. 1239; p = 0.041). Enamel exposed to taurocholic acid at 10 µM, combined or not with glycocholic acid, had their microhardness increased, accompanied by calcium release, with no changes in surface topography. ConclusionsTaurocholic acid was the predominant salivary bile acid, particularly in controls without GERD. This bile acid had no deleterious effect on the enamel structure.

Surface nanostructures on Nb-doped SrTiO3 irradiated with swift heavy ions at grazing incidence

A single crystal of SrTiO3 doped with 0.5 wt% niobium (Nb-STO) was irradiated with 200 MeV Au32+ ions at grazing incidence to characterize the irradiation-induced hillock chains. Exactly the same hillock chains are observed by using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to study the relation between irradiation-induced change of surface topography and corresponding material property changes. As expected, multiple hillocks as high as 5–6 nm are imaged by AFM observation in tapping mode. It is also found that the regions in between the adjacent hillocks are not depressed, and in many cases they are slightly elevated. Line-like contrasts along the ion paths are found in both AFM phase images and SEM images, indicating the formation of continuous ion tracks in addition to multiple hillocks. Validity of preexisting models for explaining the hillock chain formation is discussed based on the present results. In order to obtain new insights related to the ion track formation, cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation was performed. The ion tracks in the near-surface region are found to be relatively large, whereas buried ion tracks in the deeper region are relatively small. The results suggest that recrystallization plays an important role in the formation of small ion tracks in the deep region, whereas formation of large ion tracks in the near-surface region is likely due to the absence of recrystallization. TEM images also show shape deformation of ion tracks in the near-surface region, suggesting that material transport towards the surface is the reason for the absence of recrystallization.

Modification of polyethersulfone membranes by Polyethyleneimine (PEI) grafted Silica nanoparticles and their application for textile wastewater treatment

ABSTRACT In the current work, a novel nanocomposite membrane for wastewater treatment applications has been synthesized. A hydrophilic nature nanoadditive comprised grafting polyethylenimine (PEI) molecules onto the surfaces of silica nanoparticles (SiO2 NPs) was synthesized then entrapped within a polyethersulfone polymeric matrix at disparate ratios via the classical phase inversion technique. A series of experimental tools were employed to probe the influence of SiO2-PEI on the surface topography and morphological changes, hydrophilicity, porosity, surface chemistry as well as permeation and dyes retention characteristics of the new nanocomposite. Upon increasing the nanoadditives content (up to 0.7 wt. % SiO2- PEI), clear cross-sectional changes were depicted along with a noticeable decline in the water contact angle by 29.7%. Performance evaluation measurements against synthetic dye solutions were disclosed explicit enhancement in both; retention and permeation characteristics of the nanocomposite membranes. Besides, prolonged permeation test has maintained high flux stability against real textile wastewater; implying better resistance and self-cleaning characteristics have been achieved.

Effect of the Plasma Gas Type on the Surface Characteristics of 3Y-TZP Ceramic.

Plasma surface treatment can be an attractive strategy for modifying the chemically inert nature of zirconia to improve its clinical performance. This study aimed to clarify the effect of plasma gas compositions on the physicochemical surface modifications of 3 mol% yttria-stabilized zirconia (3Y-TZP). The cold, atmospheric plasma discharges were carried out by using four different plasma gases, which are He/O2, N2/Ar, N2, and Ar from an application distance of 10 mm for 60 s. Static contact angles were measured to define the surface free energy. Changes in elemental composition, surface crystallinity, and surface topography were assessed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. A significant decrease in water contact angle was observed in all plasma groups with the lowest value of 69° in the N2/Ar group. CLSM and SEM investigations exhibited no morphological changes in all plasma groups. XPS revealed that a reduction in the surface C content along with an increase in O content was pronounced in the case of N2/Ar compared to others, which was responsible for high hydrophilicity of the surface. XRD showed that the changes in crystallite size and microstrain due to oxygen atom displacements were observed in the N2/Ar group. The N2/Ar plasma treatment may contribute to enhancing the bioactivity as well as the bonding performance of 3Y-TZP by controlling the plasma-generated nitrogen functionalities.

Evolution of and Disparity among Biomimetic Superhydrophobic Surfaces with Gecko, Petal, and Lotus Effect.

It is desirable to turn one kind of superhydrophobic (SHPO) surfaces into another by changing surface topography alone and attaining solid surfaces with tunable properties. Herein, gecko-, petal-, and lotus-like SHPO surfaces, composed of ZnO tetrapods and polydimethylsiloxane, are realized by adjusting the roughness factor and length scale of roughness, while keeping the surface chemistry the same. Afterward, water droplet sliding and impacting are investigated. The surfaces behave similarly in spreading but deviate from each other in sliding, receding, jetting, and rebounding due to their different adhesive properties. Moreover, the disparity between surfaces with petal and lotus effects is well explained by Furmidge's and Young-Dupre equations. On the other hand, these formulas fail to elucidate the surface with gecko effect because of its inside sealed air that produces negative pressure upon droplet motion. This paper provides a facile topography evolution path and a manifest correlation between topography and performance in water droplet dynamics for SHPO surfaces with gecko, petal, and lotus effects.

Hierarchically Structured Surfaces Prepared by Phase Separation: Tissue Mimicking Culture Substrate

The pseudo 3D hierarchical structure mimicking in vivo microenvironment was prepared by phase separation on tissue culture plastic. For surface treatment, time-sequenced dosing of the solvent mixture with various concentrations of polymer component was used. The experiments showed that hierarchically structured surfaces with macro, meso and micro pores can be prepared with multi-step phase separation processes. Changes in polystyrene surface topography were characterized by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and contact profilometry. The cell proliferation and changes in cell morphology were tested on the prepared structured surfaces. Four types of cell lines were used for the determination of impact of the 3D architecture on the cell behavior, namely the mouse embryonic fibroblast, human lung carcinoma, primary human keratinocyte and mouse embryonic stem cells. The increase of proliferation of embryonic stem cells and mouse fibroblasts was the most remarkable. Moreover, the embryonic stem cells express different morphology when cultured on the structured surface. The acquired findings expand the current state of knowledge in the field of cell behavior on structured surfaces and bring new technological procedures leading to their preparation without the use of problematic temporary templates or additives.

Physicochemical Properties of Dentine Subjected to Microabrasive Blasting and Its Influence on Bonding to Self-Adhesive Prosthetic Cement in Shear Bond Strength Test: An In Vitro Study.

The aim of this in vitro study was to assess the influence of microabrasive blasting on the physicochemical properties of dentine and shear bond strength (SBS) of self-adhesive resin cement (Maxcem Elite, Kerr, Orange, CA, USA) bonded to the dentine surface. Ninety cylindrical specimens with exposed dentine of human teeth were prepared and divided into three randomized, parallel sample sets A, B, and C. Groups B and C were subjected to abrasive blasting using a micro-sandblasting device (Microetcher IIa, Danville Materials, Carlsbad, CA, USA) with two gradations of Al2O3 abrasives (Group B, abrasion with a gradation of 50 μm; group C, abrasion with a gradation of 27 μm). SEM imaging, profilometry, chemical composition analysis, contact angle measurements, surface free energy, and SBS tests were performed. The resulting data were statistically analyzed using the Statistica software (ver. 13.3, Tibco Software Inc., Palo Alto, CA, USA). Microabrasive blasting caused changes in surface topography, structural features, and the connection strength between the dentin surface and self-adhesive prosthetic cement. Air microabrasion through the multifactorial positive reorganization of the treated surface of dentine is recommended as a pretreatment method in fixed prosthodontics adhesive cementation protocols.

Explaining the differential response of glaciers across different mountain ranges in the north-western Himalaya, India

The study investigated a group of 65 glaciers, selected from different mountain ranges in the north-western Himalaya, India to understand and explain their status and response to the changing climate, surface topography and glacier morphology. Two-date Landsat satellite images (1990 and 2014), ICESat altimetry data, HMA DEM and SRTM DEM were used to estimate the changes in glacier area, snout position, Equilibrium Line Altitude (ELA), glacier thickness and volume. The total area of the glaciers under consideration across the five ranges shrunk from 1106 ± 33.6 km2 in 1990 to 1073 ± 24.6 km2 in 2014 with the consequent reduction in the glacier volume from 219 ± 6.66 km3 in 1990 to 211 ± 4.85 km3 in 2014, a loss of 5.9 ± 0.09 Gt during 24-year observation period. Upward shift in ELA, ranging from 18 ± 17 m to 64 ± 17 m, was observed during the observation period. The glaciers across the study area are losing thickness in the range of −0.59 ± 0.22–1.18 ± 0.40 m a−1. The study revealed that the glaciers situated at altitudes <4500 m have witnessed higher glacier area loss (8.25 ± 1.3%) compared to those situated at altitudes >6000 m (2.72 ± 0.92%). The influence of size on glacier loss is indicated by the higher shrinkage observed for the glaciers <3 km2 in size (6.75 ± 1.63%) compared to the lower shrinkage of 2.17 ± 1.12% observed for the large-size glaciers (>30 km2). Significant differences in the glacier response were observed across the five ranges due to the unique topographic and climatic setting endemic to a particular mountain range.

Mathematical modelling of microbial corrosion in carbon steel due to early-biofilm formation of sulfate-reducing bacteria via extracellular electron transfer

Sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) are the most studied microorganisms related to severe episodes of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC). A mechanism used by SRB to corrode steel alloys is the extracellular electron transfer (EET), which was described by the biocatalytic cathodic sulfate reduction (BCSR) theory. This theory was supported by several experimental research and some mathematical approaches. However, mathematical modelling that represents the effect of the EET on pit development and the subsequent changes in surface topography has not been reported. In this study, a mechanistic mathematical model of microbial corrosion induced by SRB through EET was developed and implemented. The developed model used data from previously reported experiments to describe the phenomenon and define stoichiometric and kinetic parameters. Results of biofilm development and growth-associated corrosion (i.e. weight loss and maximum pit depths) obtained by simulations were similar to experimental evidence reported in the literature. These simulations reveal that the main parameters that control MIC are the maintenance coefficient of SRB, the initial planktonic cell concentration, and the probability of surface colonization.

Long-term mass-balance monitoring and evolution of ice in caves through structure from motion–multi-view stereo and ground-penetrating radar techniques

This study investigates the application of a terrestrial structure from motionmulti-view stereo (SfM-MVS) approach combined with ground-penetrating radar (GPR) surveys for monitoring the surface topographic change of two permanent ice deposits in caves located in the Julian Alps (south-eastern European Alps). This method allows accurate calculation of both seasonal and annual mass balance, estimating the amount of ice inside caves. The ground-based SfM approach represents a low-cost workflow with very limited logistical problems of transportation and human resources and a fast acquisition time, all key factors in such extreme environments. Under optimal conditions, SfM-MVS allows sub-centimetric resolution results, comparable to more expensive and logistically demanding surveys such as terrestrial laser scanning (TLS). Fourteen SfM acquisitions were made between the 2017–2020 ablation seasons (i.e. July–October) while 2 GPR surveys were acquired in 2012. The obtained dense point clouds and digital terrain models (DTMs) made possible a reliable calculation of topographic changes and mass balance rates during the analysed period. The integration of SfM-MVS products with GPR surveys provided comprehensive imaging of the ice thickness and the total ice volume present in each of the caves, proving to be a reliable, low cost and multipurpose methodology ideal for long-term monitoring.

Ionic liquid-based electroactive materials: a novel approach for cardiac tissue engineering strategies.

Cardiac tissue regeneration strategies are increasingly taking advantage of electroactive scaffolds to actively recreate the tissue microenvironment. In this context, this work reports on advanced materials based on two different ionic liquids (ILs), 2-hydroxyethyl-trimethylammonium dihydrogen phosphate ([Ch][DHP]) and choline bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ([Ch][TFSI]), combined with poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) (P(VDF-TrFE)) for the development of ionic electroactive IL/polymer hybrid materials for cardiac tissue engineering (TE). The morphological, physico-chemical, thermal and electrical properties of the hybrid materials, as well as their potential use as scaffolds for cardiac TE applications, were evaluated. Besides inducing changes in surface topography, roughness and wettability of the composites, the incorporation of [Ch][DHP] and [Ch][TFSI] leads to the increase in surface (σsurface) and volume (σvolume) electrical conductivities. Furthermore, washing the hybrid samples with phosphate-buffered saline solution strongly decreases the σsurface, whereas σsurface and σvolume of the composites remain almost unaltered after exposure to ultraviolet sterilization treatment. Additionally, it is verified that the incorporation of IL influences the P(VDF-TrFE) microstructure and crystallization process, acting as a defect during its crystallization. Cytotoxicity assays revealed that hybrid films based on [Ch][DHP] alone are not cytotoxic. These films also support H9c2 myoblast cell adhesion and proliferation, demonstrating their suitability for cardiac TE strategies based on electroactive microenvironments.

Analysis of the Friction Mechanisms of DC04 Steel Sheets in the Flat Strip Drawing Test

This article presents the use of a specially designed flat strip drawing tester in order to assess the change in surface topography of DC04 steel sheets. The flat strip drawing test simulates friction conditions in the sheet metal-blankholder interface during deep drawing processes. Experimental tests were carried out at various nominal pressures and in dry friction and lubricated conditions. Two widely available gear and engine oils were used in the study. It was found that, in the range of pressures investigated between 3 and 12 MPa, 80W-90 gear oil provided a greater reduction in the value of the coefficient of friction (COF) than 5W-30 engine oil. Gear oil reduced the COF by an average of about 13.4 [%]. The lubrication efficiency depends on the pressure values; the greater the pressure, the lower the lubrication efficiency. A lowering of the value of the main amplitude surface roughness parameters Sa and Sq was generally observed. SEM analysis showed that even under lubrication conditions there was intense flattening of the roughness asperities of the sheet metal.

Effect of oral irrigation device and its solution type on the surface roughness and topography of Bulk-fill composite resins.

BackgroundSurface roughness and topography of composite resin materials have a significant role in biofilm aggregation, periodontitis, and recurrent caries. The present study evaluated the effect of the Waterpik oral irrigation device (OID) with different solution [water/ chlorhexidine (CHX)] on the surface roughness and topography of microhybrid (x-tra fil) and nanohybrid (Tetric N-Ceram Bulk) bulk-fill composite resins. Material and MethodsDisk-shaped samples were prepared from each composite resin, measuring 5 mm in diameter and 3 mm in height, and assigned to three groups in terms of treatment (n=19): group A, control (storage in distilled water); group B, OID with water; group C, OID with 0.5% CHX. The samples were treated for eight weeks, simulating one-year use of OID. Profilometry and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to evaluate and compare quantitatively surface roughness (Ra) and qualitative topography of composite resin surfaces before and after treatment. The data were analyzed with paired-samples, Wilcoxon, and generalized estimating equations tests (α=0.05). ResultsThe application of OID increased the Ra of composite resin compared to the control group (P<0.001). No significant difference was detected between the two solutions (water and CHX) (P=0.615). The effect of composite resin type and the cumulative effect of composite resin type and OID solution were not significant on the surface roughness changes of the samples (P=0.243 and P=0.464, respectively). ConclusionsOID with water and CHX solutions increased the surface roughness and topographic changes of microhybrid and nanohybrid bulk-fill composite resins. Key words:Composite resins, irrigation, mouthrinse, surface roughness, topography.

Potential and Limitation of PlanetScope Images for 2-D and 3-D Earth Surface Monitoring With Example of Applications to Glaciers and Earthquakes

The Planet PlanetScope cubesat constellation acquires high-resolution optical images which cover the entire surface of the Earth daily, enabling an unprecedented capability to monitor the Earth surface changes. However, our analysis reveals artifacts of the geometry of PlanetScope images related to the imaging system and processing issues, limiting the usability of these data for various earth science applications, including the monitoring of glaciers, dune motion, or the measurement of ground deformation due to earthquakes and landslides. Here we analyze these artifacts and propose ways to remediate them. We use two examples to evaluate the data and assess the performance of our proposed approaches. The first is the ground deformation caused by the 2019 Ridgecrest earthquake sequence, California, and the second is the 2018-2019 surge of the Shisper glacier in the Karakorum. Using an image correlation technique, we show that PlanetScope images exhibit several geometric artifacts, such as scene-to-scene misregistration, inconsistence geolocation accuracy between spectral bands, and topographic artifacts. Altogether these artifacts make a quantitative analysis of ground displacement difficult and inaccurate. We present a method that remediates most of these geometric artifacts. In addition, we propose a framework for selecting the most appropriate images and a procedure for refining the Rational Function Model (RFM) of unrectified images to monitor surface displacements and topography changes in 3D. These tools should enhance the use of PlanetScope images for Earth Science applications.

Rougher is more slippery: How adhesive friction decreases with increasing surface roughness due to the suppression of capillary adhesion

Friction originates at the area of real contact which depends on the (changing) surface topography. Observing and measuring the area of real contact at multi-asperity interfaces is difficult, making it challenging to quantitatively study the interplay between the frictional force and surface topography. In this paper, we systematically manipulate surface topography and use a fluorescence microscopy-based contact visualization technique to reveal this interplay. We demonstrate good agreement between elastoplastic boundary element method contact calculations and experimental visualization of the area of real contact. While the area of real contact and thus contact pressure could be varied by a factor of 4 through control of the surface topography, this had only a modest effect on the coefficient of friction (CoF). We do find a small but systematic increase in the proportionality constant between frictional force and normal force (CoF) with decreasing surface roughness. The observation that smoother surfaces have a greater CoF is due to capillary adhesion between the two surfaces. We quantitatively model this behavior using a simple capillary adhesion model without adjustable parameters. Our results provide quantitative insights into the interplay between contact mechanics, friction, and capillary adhesion. A predictive understanding of this interplay is essential to demanding applications such as precision positioning.