Processing, tribological polymer contacts

Polymers generally exhibit complex tribological behaviors due to different energy dissipation mechanisms, notably those induced by internal friction (chain movement), which is dependent on both time and temperature. Polymer friction is then governed by interfacial interactions and viscoelastic dissipation mechanisms that are operative in the interfacial region and also in the bulk, especially in the case of soft materials. Friction of a polymer can be closely linked to its molecular structure. The role of chain mobility has been studied in the case of elastomers, based on dissipation phenomena during adhesion and friction processes of the elastomer in contact with a silicon wafer covered by a grafted layer [1-5]. 

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