AFM friction and adhesion mapping of the substructures of human hair cuticles

- Microscale friction coefficient maps of human hair substructures have been produced using a novel quantitative AFM technique using Amonton's Law of friction.
- Localised maps of friction coefficient and adhesion force have been compared with known chemical properties of the hair substructures.
- Friction coefficient maps, using an uncoated silicon nitride AFM tip, showed clear differences between substructure that could be related to known chemistry and/or surface roughness.
- Force of adhesion maps did not permit substructure distinction.