젖은 환경에서의 고마찰성능을 위한 마이크로 패턴의 분석, 설계 및 응용

Abstract

Micropatterned surfaces that have high friction under wet or lubricated conditions are crucial in many practical applications. However, it is not easy to achieve stable high friction in wet conditions because a layer of fluid prevents direct solid-solid contact. Here, we report a micropatterned elastomeric surface with superior wet friction. The surface has unique arch-shaped microstructures arrayed in a circle on the surface to provide high friction on wet or flooded surfaces. The archshaped micropattern surface exhibits remarkably enhanced and stable friction in wet conditions, surpassing even the performance of the hexagonal patterns of tree frogs, owing to the large contact surface and the optimal shape of drainage channels. Robotic substrate transportation systems equipped with the micropatterned surfaces can manipulate a delicate wet substrate without any sliding in a highly stable and reproducible manner, demonstrating the superior frictional capabilities of the surface under wet conditions.