Estimation of adhesion hysteresis using rolling contact mechanics

The energy needed to separate two surfaces is usually greater than that gained by adjoining the two. The difference of these two adhesion energies, also known as adhesion hysteresis, is of significant importance in polymer surface science because it carries information about the nonequilibrium processes occurring at interfaces. Here we describe a methodology that allows estimation of adhesion hysteresis at polymer-inorganic interfaces using rolling contact mechanics. The method is illustrated with hemicylindrical lenses of poly(dimethylsiloxane)s (PDMS) rolling on silicon wafers.