Ag micro-dimples prepared by self-organization and their friction properties

Control of friction is one of the big issues to resolve energy problems. Unique, superior functional surfaces are formed by self-organization and self-assembly processes in nature. By mimicking such surfaces, we have the possibility to obtain friction-controlling surfaces. We have reported that honeycomb-patterned polymer films and micro lens arrays (MLAs) can be prepared by a self-organization process and simple molding methods. In this study, we prepare silver microdimple-arrays (MDAs) using MLAs as templates and electroless plating of silver and measured surface frictional properties of the resulting silver MDAs. The prepared silver MDAs have hexagonally arranged hemispherical micro pore and spike structures, completely covered with silver. The silver MDAs showed lower friction coefficients than similar flat silver films. These results suggest silver MDAs can be used as low friction surfaces.