Liquid Mediated Adhesion of Ultra-Flat Solid Surfaces

Abstract

AbstractThe presence of a liquid film between contacting ultra-flat surfaces can produce high levels of adhesion. The liquid film may be a pre-existing film of lubricant or may be a capillary condensate. This paper considers the meniscus and viscous components to the adhesion. Different regimes are identified which are distinguished by differing quantities of liquid in the gap between the surfaces. The role of surface roughness is also evaluated. The force required to separate the surfaces in the tangential direction is considered. The magnitude of this force is dependent not only on the adhesion but also on the separation rate and loading conditions.