Friction of polystyrene: Consequence on nano-wear

Friction is able to induce major consequences on surface polymer properties (wear, scratch, etc.). These problems are crucial in the case of organic coatings (paints, varnish). The aim of this work is to analyse the influence of friction on the nano-wear behaviour of polystyrene. Studies will be focused on the analysis of the transfer layer induced by the friction of a polystyrene cylinder in contact with a flat and smooth substrate. The model substrate is a hydrophilic silicon wafer (hydroxylated by a piranha treatment). Friction experiments are performed with a translation tribometer which measures the tangential force between the polymer and the substrate for controlled normal force and friction speed. The transfer layer is analysed using atomic force microscopy (AFM). Tentative correlations between transfer layer characteristics and polymer properties are proposed.