scholarly journals Wetting Behavior and Tribological Properties of Polymer Brushes on Laser-Textured Surface

Polymers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (6) ◽  
pp. 981 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming-xue Shen ◽  
Zhao-xiang Zhang ◽  
Jin-tao Yang ◽  
Guang-yao Xiong

Polymer brush layers can act as effective lubricants owing to their low friction and good controllability. However, their application to the field of tribology is limited by their poor wear resistance. This study proposes a strategy combining grafting and surface texturing to extend the service life of polymer brushes. Surface microstructure and chemical composition were measured through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Water contact angles were measured to evaluate the surface wettability of the grafted silicon-based surface texture. Results showed the distinct synergistic effect between polymer brushes and laser surface texturing (LST). The prepared polymer brushes on textured surface can be a powerful mechanism for friction reduction properties, which benefit from their strong hydration effect on the lubrication liquid and promote the formation of a local lubricating film. Moreover, the wear life of polymer brushes can be immensely extended, as micro-dimples on the textured surface can effectively protect the polymer brushes. This study presents a method to enhance the load-bearing capacity and wear resistance of the grafted surface of polymer brushes.

Materials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 12 (18) ◽  
pp. 3014 ◽  
Author(s):  
Liguo Qin ◽  
Hongjiang Sun ◽  
Mahshid Hafezi ◽  
Yali Zhang

Due to their bioinert and reliable tribological performance, cobalt chromium molybdenum (CoCrMo) alloys have been widely used for articular joint implant applications. However, friction and wear issues are still the main reasons for the failure of implants. As a result, the improvement of the tribological properties and biocompatibility of these alloys is still needed. Thus, surface modification is of great interest for implant manufacturers and for clinical applications. In this study, a strategy combining laser surface texturing and chitosan grafting (mussel inspired) was used to improve the tribological and biocompatible behaviors of CoCrMo. The microstructure and chemical composition were investigated by atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, respectively. The tribological properties were discussed to determine their synergistic effects. To evaluate their biocompatibility, osteoblast cells were cocultured with the modified surface. The results show that there is a distinct synergistic effect between laser surface texturing and polymer brushes for improving tribological behaviors and biocompatibility. The prepared chitosan brushes on a textured surface are a strong mechanism for reducing friction force. The dimples took part in the hydrodynamic lubrication and acted as the container for replenishing the consumed lubricants. These brushes also promote the formation of a local lubricating film. The wear resistance of the chitosan brushes was immensely improved. Further, the worn process was observed, and the mechanism of destruction was demonstrated. Co-culturing with osteoblast cells showed that the texture and grafting have potential applications in enhancing the differentiation and orientation of osteoblast cells.


2018 ◽  
Vol 70 (1) ◽  
pp. 126-132 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shuwen Wang ◽  
Feiyan Yan ◽  
Ao Chen

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the tribological effects of laser surface texturing (LST) and residual stress on functional surfaces. Design/methodology/approach Three different surface textures (circular dimple, elliptical dimple and groove) with two different textured area ratios (10 and 20 per cent) are designed and fabricated by a Picosecond Nd YAG Laser machine. The friction and wear performance of textured specimens is tested using a UMT-2 friction and wear testing machine in mixed lubrication. Findings Test results show that elliptical dimples exhibit the best performance in wear resistance, circular dimples in friction reduction and grooves in stabilization of friction. The surfaces with larger textured area density exhibit better performance in both friction reduction and wear resistance. The improved performance of LST is the coupled effect of surface texture and residual stress. Originality/value The findings of this study may provide guidance for optimal design of functional surface textures in reciprocating sliding contacts under mixed or hydrodynamic lubrication, which can be used in automotive and other industrial applications.


Nanomaterials ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (5) ◽  
pp. 706 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chaoqun Wu ◽  
Yudan Zhou ◽  
Haitao Wang ◽  
Jianhua Hu

Zwitterionic polymers are suitable for replacing poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polymers because of their better antifouling properties, but zwitterionic polymers have poor mechanical properties, strong water absorption, and their homopolymers should not be used directly. To solve these problems, a reversible-addition fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization process was used to prepare copolymers comprised of zwitterionic side chains that were attached to an ITO glass substrate using spin-casting. The presence of 4-vinylpyridine (4VP) and zwitterion chains on these polymer-coated ITO surfaces was confirmed using 1H NMR, FTIR, and GPC analyses, with successful surface functionalization confirmed using water contact angle, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies. Changes in water contact angles and C/O ratios (XPS) analysis demonstrated that the functionalization of these polymers with β-propiolactone resulted in hydrophilic mixed 4VP/zwitterionic polymers. Protein adsorption and cell attachment assays were used to optimize the ratio of the zwitterionic component to maximize the antifouling properties of the polymer brush surface. This work demonstrated that the antifouling surface coatings could be readily prepared using a “P4VP-modified” method, that is, the functionality of P4VP to modify the prepared zwitterionic polymer. We believe these materials are likely to be useful for the preparation of biomaterials for biosensing and diagnostic applications.


Metals ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (8) ◽  
pp. 990 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lin Cao ◽  
Yun Chen ◽  
Jie Cui ◽  
Wei Li ◽  
Zhidan Lin ◽  
...  

The poor tribological performances of titanium have significantly limited its applications in the field of artificial joints. In order to solve problems regarding the wear and corrosion of artificial joints in the body, we fabricated the composite materials utilizing the combination of laser surface texturing and nitrogen ion implantation technology, and investigated the effect of laser surface texturing, nitrogen ion implantation, and different dimple area densities on tribological performance. The results show that the textured surface could reduce the friction coefficient and improve the wear resistance, and the optimum dimple density was found to be 25%. After N ion implantation, the wear resistance of the textured sample was further improved, due to the formation of the nitride layer. Moreover, as shown by the electrochemical test results, the corrosion resistance was enhanced significantly. The friction coefficient decreased the most, and the wear resistance increased by 405% with the lowest wear rate of 0.37 × 10−3 mm3/N·m. However, the specimen with a dimple density of 60% had the worst wear resistance. The results of the study provide a basis for the development and application of artificial joint materials.


2007 ◽  
Vol 14 (01) ◽  
pp. 23-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
QILAN DENG ◽  
YIWANG CHEN ◽  
WEI SUN

Grafting of polymer brushes from the poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) surfaces was carried out. The active species, such as peroxide and hydroperoxide, on the surface were generated via ultraviolet (UV) irradiation pretreatment in nitrogen, followed by air exposure. Homopolymer brushes of methyl methacrylate (MMA) were prepared by the surface-initiated free radical polymerization from the peroxide initiators on the PVDF surface. The peroxides formed on UV-treated and air-exposed PVDF surfaces were determined quantitatively by the reaction with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) in toluene. The chemical composition and topography of the graft-functionalized PVDF surfaces were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), attenuated total reflectance (ATR) FT-IR spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy (AFM). ATR FT-IR revealed an increase in the graft concentration of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) on PVDF surfaces with an increase of the UV irradiation pretreatment time. Water contact angles on PVDF surfaces were reduced by surface grafting of PMMA.


Friction ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. Boidi ◽  
P. G. Grützmacher ◽  
A. Kadiric ◽  
F. J. Profito ◽  
I. F. Machado ◽  
...  

AbstractTextured surfaces offer the potential to promote friction and wear reduction by increasing the hydrodynamic pressure, fluid uptake, or acting as oil or debris reservoirs. However, texturing techniques often require additional manufacturing steps and costs, thus frequently being not economically feasible for real engineering applications. This experimental study aims at applying a fast laser texturing technique on curved surfaces for obtaining superior tribological performances. A femtosecond pulsed laser (Ti:Sapphire) and direct laser interference patterning (with a solid-state Nd:YAG laser) were used for manufacturing dimple and groove patterns on curved steel surfaces (ball samples). Tribological tests were carried out under elasto-hydrodynamic lubricated contact conditions varying slide-roll ratio using a ball-on-disk configuration. Furthermore, a specific interferometry technique for rough surfaces was used to measure the film thickness of smooth and textured surfaces. Smooth steel samples were used to obtain data for the reference surface. The results showed that dimples promoted friction reduction (up to 20%) compared to the reference smooth specimens, whereas grooves generally caused less beneficial or detrimental effects. In addition, dimples promoted the formation of full film lubrication conditions at lower speeds. This study demonstrates how fast texturing techniques could potentially be used for improving the tribological performance of bearings as well as other mechanical components utilised in several engineering applications.


Friction ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chia-Jui Hsu ◽  
Andreas Stratmann ◽  
Simon Medina ◽  
Georg Jacobs ◽  
Frank Mücklich ◽  
...  

AbstractLaser surface texturing (LST) has been proven to improve the tribological performance of machine elements. The micro-scale patterns manufactured by LST may act as lubricant reservoirs, thus supplying oil when encountering insufficient lubrication. However, not many studies have investigated the use of LST in the boundary lubrication regime, likely due to concerns of higher contact stresses that can occur with the increasing surface roughness. This study aims to examine the influence of LST on the fatigue lifetime of thrust rolling bearings under boundary lubrication. A series of periodic patterns were produced on the thrust rolling bearings, using two geometrically different designs, namely cross and dimple patterns. Base oil ISO VG 100 mixed with 0.05 wt% P of zinc dialkyldithiophosphate (ZDDP) was supplied. The bearings with cross patterns reduce the wear loss by two orders of magnitude. The patterns not only retain lubricant in the textured pockets but also enhance the formation of an anti-wear tribofilm. The tribofilm generation may be improved by the higher contact stresses that occur when using the textured surface. Therefore, in contrast to the negative concerns, the ball bearings with cross patterns were instead found to increase the fatigue life by a factor of three.


2016 ◽  
Vol 68 (1) ◽  
pp. 116-124 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawit Zenebe Segu ◽  
Pyung Hwang

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to investigate and discuss the effect of multi-shape laser surface texturing (LST) steel surfaces on tribological performance. Design/methodology/approach – The textured surface with some specific formula arrays was fabricated by laser ablation process by combining patterns of circles and triangles, circles and squares and circles and ellipses. The tribological test was performed by a flat-on-flat tribometer under dry and lubrication conditions, and results were compared with that of untextured surface. Findings – The results showed that the textured surface had better friction coefficient performance than the untextured surface due to hydrodynamic lubrication effect. Through an increase in sliding speed, the beneficial effect of LST performance was achieved under dry and lubrication conditions. Originality/value – This paper develops multi-shape LST steel surfaces for improving the friction and wear performance under dry and lubrication conditions.


2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Junru Wang ◽  
Quandai Wang ◽  
Yueyan Li ◽  
Meiling Guo ◽  
Pengyang Li ◽  
...  

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the effects of surface texture with roughness orientation considered on tribological properties under a mixed lubrication state numerically and experimentally. Design/methodology/approach Based on the average Reynolds equation and asperity contact model, the impacts of surface texture parameters and roughness orientation on lubrication properties have been calculated using finite difference method. Tin–bronze samples with various prescribed surface texture geometric parameters and roughness orientation were fabricated by laser surface texturing technique, and the tribology performance of the textured surface was studied experimentally. Findings The effects of surface geometric parameters and roughness orientation parameters have been discerned. The experimental observations are in good agreement with the numerical prediction, which suggests that the numerical scheme adopted in this work is suitable in capturing the surface texture and roughness effect under mixed lubrication state. Originality/value By meticulously controlling the surface roughness and surface texture geometric characteristics based on the laser surface texturing process, samples with prescribed surface texture parameters and roughness orientation consistent with that in theoretical studies were fabricated and the theoretical model and results were verified experimentally.


2017 ◽  
Vol 95 (5) ◽  
pp. 605-611 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lei Wang ◽  
Shaoqing Wen ◽  
Zhanxiong Li

A series of novel amphiphilic ABA-type poly(tridecafluorooctylacrylate)-poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(tridecafluorooctylacrylate) (henceforth referred to as p-TDFA-PEG-p-TDFA) triblock oligomers were successfully synthesized via atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using well-defined Br-PEG-Br as macroinitiator and copper as catalyst. The block oligomers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and 1H and 19F nuclear magnetic resonances (NMR). Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) showed that the block oligomers have been obtained with narrow molecular weight distributions of 1.22–1.33. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was carried out to confirm the attachment of p-TDFA-PEG-p-TDFA onto the silicon substrate, together with the chemical compositions of p-TDFA-PEG-p-TDFA. The wetabilities of the oligomer films were measured by water contact angles (CAs). Water CAs of p-TDFA-PEG-p-TDFA film were measured and their morphologies were tested by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The result showed that the CAs of the oligomer films, which possess fluoroalkyl groups assembled on the outer surface, increase after heating due to the migration of fluoroalkyl groups and the resulted microphase separation of the p-TDFA-PEG-p-TDFA.


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