Synergetic effect of the simultaneous use of different biomimetic adhesive micro-structures on tribological performances

• Published in: Biotribology (Oxford) 2020-06, Vol.22, p.100124, Article 100124
• Main Authors: Badler, David, Kasem, Haytam
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• ISSN: 2352-5738; 2352-5738
• DOI: 10.1016/j.biotri.2020.100124

The tribological performance of adhesive surfaces combining biomimetic microstructures of different shapes, i.e., micro mushroom-shaped and micro wall-shaped, is experimentally investigated. The concept is based on close observations of animals, revealing that some species have developed adhesive micro-structures of different shapes and functionality that are able to simultaneously use them to optimize adherence and motion on uneven surfaces. Samples were prepared by casting soft elastomer into a pre-prepared negative template, while tribological performances of the different samples were evaluated using a customized test-rig. Results show clearly that samples combining different features achieve enhanced adhesion and friction performance compared to those composed entirely with the same feature or to a non-structured control sample. •Effect of combining different biomimetic microstructures on adhesion, friction and peeling resistance is investigated•Results show that samples with combined different microstructures achieve enhanced adhesion & friction and peeling performances.•This study allowed to understand the mutual influence of different bionic features when integrated within the same sample.