Tribological properties of microball-embedded polydimethylsiloxane under water-based lubrication conditions

The purpose of this study was to enhance the friction and wear characteristics of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) under water lubrication conditions. To achieve this, a PDMS specimen coated with microballs made of borosilicate glass was fabricated. Lubricants containing different amounts of surfactants were added to deionized water to improve the interfacial affinity between the PDMS and water. The physical, mechanical, and tribological properties of the PDMS embedded with microballs were compared with those of the bare PDMS under various lubrication conditions. The results indicated that the addition of surfactants to water significantly improved the mechanical and tribological properties of the PDMS coated with microballs, particularly when water with surfactant was used as a lubricant. Moreover, the durability of the PDMS surfaced embedded with microballs was substantially higher than that of the bare PDMS. The application of this approach may lead to the development of more durable and efficient materials for use in water-lubricated systems.