Porous Polymeric films with Ultra-low Coefficient of Friction

这项研究是关于更好地理解多孔聚合物基表面或涂层的润滑机制，具有超低的摩擦系数。 这些机制产生的部分流体动力学排斥力之间的剪切顺应性表面的作用。 摩擦学实验和模拟的组合将用于指导宏观多孔聚合物基表面的设计，以达到最小的摩擦系数。 具体而言，该项目将通过模拟和实验来确定聚合物中孔隙的最佳几何参数，通过寿命研究来确定润滑性能，并制造超低剪切表面的宏观原型，如果成功，该研究将提高人工膝关节和髋关节置换器械的性能和耐用性。具体而言，这些低摩擦聚合物表面具有用作患病或受损关节中软骨和滑液的生物相容性模拟物的潜力，这影响了大部分老年人群。 此外，这些超低摩擦表面可用作涉及运动部件的各种机械中的润滑表面。 从教育的角度来看，该项目将使代表性不足的K-12学生参加在杜兰大学举行的开放日活动。 这些活动将通过动手示范和实验，向大新奥尔良地区的初中和高中学生展示科学原理，最终目的是鼓励学生将科学和工程视为未来的研究领域。 特别地，将包括涉及剪切表面之间的摩擦的模块。 在本科阶段，来自代表性不足群体的学生将获得基于该项目的研究机会。

This research is about better understanding the mechanisms involved in the lubrication of porous polymer-based surfaces or coatings with ultra-low coefficients of friction. These mechanisms arise from the partial hydrodynamic repulsive forces that act between shearing compliant surfaces. A combination of tribology experiments and simulations will be used to guide the design of a macroscopic porous polymer-based surface to attain minimal coefficients of friction. Specifically, the project will involve the determination of the optimal geometrical parameters of pores within a polymer through simulations and supported by experiments, the determination of the lubrication performance through longevity studies, and the fabrication of a macroscopic prototype of the ultra-low shearing surfaces.If successful, the research will improve the performance and durability of artificial knee and hip replacement devices. Specifically, these low friction polymer surfaces have the potential to be used as a biocompatible mimic for cartilage and synovial fluid in diseased or damaged joints, which affects a large fraction of the elderly population. Furthermore, these ultra-low friction surfaces may be used as lubricating surfaces in a wide range of machinery involving moving parts. From an educational standpoint, this project will involve underrepresented K-12 students in open house events held at Tulane University. These events will expose scientific principles to middle and high school students in the greater New Orleans area through hands-on demonstrations and experiments with the ultimate aim of encouraging the students to consider science and engineering as future fields of study. In particular, a module involving the friction between shearing surfaces will be included. At the undergraduate level, students from underrepresented groups will be offered research opportunities based on this project.