ABSTRACT
Analytical techniques are useful in research and development or for evaluating coating defects in manufacturing; performance testing is common for ensuring product quality; process monitoring is necessary to ensure consistency in production. The surfaces of polymeric materials, exhibit high degrees of molecular mobility in rotational and translational modes. The dynamic nature of these surfaces makes surface analysis a rather complicated affair. Although the preceding techniques are probably the most popular methods for characterizing polymer surfaces, there is a literal panoply of other methods available. The force of friction associated with surfaces in contact with each other arises from a number of interactions occurring at both the macroscopic and microscopic level. Surface roughness and deformation are examples of macroscopic occurrences that contribute to mechanical interlocking and result in increased friction. Lubrication of surfaces has been practiced traditionally to reduce friction and the subsequent wear occurring between moving parts in contact with each other.
