Modeling adhesive force distributions on highly rough surfaces

• Theoretical influence of surface roughness is calculated.
• New roughness models for van der Waals and hydrophobic forces are proposed.
• Force distributions at rough surfaces are calculated.
• A good correlation between the proposed force model and the measured forces can be founded.

Adhesive forces between particles have a major impact on many processes. The calculation of these forces is possible in the case of ideal smooth surfaces. Nevertheless real surfaces are rough which typically leads to decreased forces. Furthermore the forces are distributed over several orders of magnitude. In the presented paper, a new model to calculate the force distributions is developed. The model is based on surface roughness parameters which can be measured by atomic force microscopy. It is valid for van der Waals forces as well as for hydrophobic forces.

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