Work

How swelling affects microscale creasing and stick-slip friction of soft elastomers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We investigate how swelling alters microscale stick-slip instabilities between a glass microparticle and swollen soft elastomer, observed through lateral force microscopy and simultaneous confocal microscopy. Our findings indicate that stick-slip behavior persists, even in moderately swollen states. Incremental increases in swelling lead to incremental decreases in stick-slip and the friction force. Above a critical degree of swelling, stick-slip is suppressed, and smooth sliding emerges. We attribute this to the fact that while the silicone network deforms, the swelling liquid can also separate from network to afford a lubricating effect. We also observe that steady stick-slip motion is achieved after initial creases slip across the contact zone, where swelling accelerates how long it takes to reach the steady kinetic friction regime.

Source: Tribology International

DOI: 10.1016/j.triboint.2025.110794

Authors: Sazzadul A. Rahat, Rong Long, Jonathan T. Pham

Institutions: University of Cincinnati, University of Colorado Boulder

Language: English

Topic: Adhesion, Friction, and Surface Interactions

Subfield: Mechanics of Materials

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,390

Funders: National Science Foundation, Directorate for Engineering