Tuning elastomer friction by hexagonal surface patterning

Frictional behavior of hexagonal elastomeric surface texture mimicking the pattern evolved in attachment pads of bush crickets has been investigated as a function of aspect ratio and area density of the texture elements. We show that this texture not only stabilizes the sliding behavior of elastomer surface, but also allows tuning its friction force from as low as 50% to nearly 100% of that of unmodified surface by adjusting the aspect ratio of the texture elements. Changing the texture area density does not affect the friction force, which allows choosing this parameter independently to support different normal loads. Both effects are explained using an in situ scanning electron microscopy of steady-sliding surfaces.