Friction Measurement Between Polyester Fibres Using the Fibre Probe SPM

Abstract

An SPM has been used to measure frictional interactions between two crossed fibres for the first time. The preparation of the surfaces is briefly described, but the crucial element is that the fibre attached to the AFM cantilever is glued parallel to the long axis. The fibres consist of polyester and frictional forces were measured both in air and solutions of cationic surfactant C14TAB. The friction coefficients reduce markedly with increasing concentration of surfactant which is ascribed to the formation of a boundary lubricating film between the surfaces. On removal of the solution, the subsequent friction coefficient in air was reduced by more than a factor of two compared to its value before immersion.