LAUSR

Abstract Friction on biological-like micro-structured surfaces has been investigated. Using a bio-replication technique, complex surface morphologies found in plant leaves were transferred onto viscoelastic substrates. A nano-indenter was modified, permitting in-situ real contact junctions visualisation. Effects of applied normal load and sliding speed on the friction response were evaluated. All four surfaces demonstrated a decrease in the friction coefficient (but dissimilar behaviors) with increasing normal load. In-situ videos revealed different contact formation under shearing, which originated from the specific surface topographies. An increase in friction coefficient with rising sliding speed was found out. This speed-dependent friction response was qualitatively correlated with material loss factor and the different friction incremental rates were discussed in the light of strain localisation in the confined topographies.