Designing a Bioinspired Surface for Improved Wear Resistance and Friction Reduction

This study used 2-photon three-dimensional lithographic printing and replica molding to fabricate a micro-texture based on the Ocellated Skink. The fabricated surface texture was studied for friction and wear behavior using linear reciprocating tribological tests with a chrome steel ball counterface under various loading conditions and compared with samples fabricated with the same methods without a surface texture. The texture was found to decrease friction at low loads and provide steady friction under all loading conditions. The textured samples also decreased the average wear track width up to 61%. Wear was reduced on surfaces by the texture through the controlled formation of microcracking, which both reduced the amount of debris built up on samples and effectively reduced the worn area.