Estimation of adhesion hysteresis using rolling contact mechanics

The energy needed to separate two surfaces is usually greater than that gai ned by adjoining the two. The difference of these two adhesion energies, al so known as adhesion hysteresis, is of significant importance in polymer su rface science because it carries information about the nonequilibrium proce sses occurring at interfaces. Here we describe a methodology that allows es timation of adhesion hysteresis at polymer-inorganic interfaces using rolli ng contact mechanics. The method is illustrated with hemicylindrical lenses of poly(dimethylsiloxane)s (PDMS) rolling on silicon wafers.