Soft matter laser micro-texturing for friction reduction: An experimental investigation. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Putignano, Carmine; Scarati, Dario; Gaudiuso, Caterina; Di Mundo, Rosa; Ancona, Antonio; Carbone, Giuseppe
• Is Part Of: Tribology international. Volume 136(2019)
• Page Start: 82
• Page End: 86
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Microtexture -- Friction -- Lubrication; Tribology -- Periodicals; 621.89
• DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2019.03.001
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0301-679X

Abstract

Abstract: In this paper, a femtosecond laser manufacturing process is effectively employed to produce a pattern of micro dimples on a fluoroelastomer. To quantify the microtexture tribological performance, two configurations are implemented: non-conformal and conformal contacts are tested on a pin-on-disk tribometer. Due to the reduced number of dimples engaged in the contact region, no significant friction enhancement is obtained in the non-conformal configuration. On the contrary, in the case of conformal contacts, outstanding outcomes in terms of friction reduction - up to 60% - can be achieved by a properly designed micro-texture. Such a result is obtained by improving the wear debris entrapment and the cavitation respectively at low and high speed, without increasing significantly the occurrence of flow eddies. Highlights: Fabrication, by means of femtosecond laser texturing, of a micro-pattern of dimples on a fluoroelastomer. Friction testing on a pin-on-disk tribometer in conformal and non-conformal contact conditions. Friction reduction up to 60% in non-conformal conditions.