Study of the tribological behavior of hydrogel-like materials with an extended Surface Forces Apparatus

Biological tribosystems are excellent examples of nature leveraging material properties to achieve exceptional lubrication for prolonged periods of activity. In these systems, lubrication is provided by hydrogel-like surface layers and an aqueous lubricant. Our research aims to advance the knowledge about the relation between frictional dissipation and hydrogel’s microstructure. In this talk, we will present steady and dynamic shear measurements with an extended surface forces apparatus (eSFA) on hydrogel thin films under modulated compression. Complimentary quasi-equilibrium compression measurements with the eSFA can be performed during tribological measurements; this is a unique capability of the SFA and enables to detect polymer rearrangements upon shear. This type of experiments provides new insight into the influence of hydrogel’s microstructure on dissipative mechanisms that dictate lubrication with special emphasis on the influence of hydrogel’s microstructure.