It is well known that during evolution, specific surface patterns emerged (e.g., on lotus leaves and butterfly wings) endowed with many remarkable surface properties (superhydrophobicity, vibrant structural color, delicate textures, etc.). In order to obtain these natural effects in cosmetics, we look for ways to transfer topographic patterns in coatings and treatments.

Textured polymer surfaces were studied to explore their friction properties on the microscale and possible correlations with human tactile friction on the macroscale. We have chosen self-assembling block and random copolymers as model systems to prepare reliable biomimetic films with different micrometer and nanometer scale randomly patterned and randomly rough surfaces. The surface texture of the films was characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM), and their tribological (friction) properties were studied with a surface forces apparatus (SFA) at a low sliding speed of 3 μm/s and at a speed of 10 cm/s relevant to realistic applications.

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Published by Science Direct, December 2020