THE ROLE OF ADHESION IN THE ROLLING AND SLIDING FRICTION OF POLYMERS

The molecular theory of friction, which has been developed by one of t he authors enables one to derive a two-term formula representing the f riction force as a tangential component of the sum resulting from addi ng the attractive forces and repulsive forces active between the atoms of contacting bodies. The applicability of the two-term friction law to the frictional properties of polymers has been proved by the experi ments made with a view to studying the statical friction of polymers o n smooth metal surfaces. The formation of adhesion bonds frequently re sults in the appearance of a double electrical layer in a contact, who se destruction, while there is no leakage of charges, is a thermodynam ically non-equilibrium process. Therefore, the process of rolling one body over another features an additional electrical component of the r olling friction.