Friction-induced molecular orientation of thin polymer films and bulk surfaces

This paper reports the possibility to produce highly uniaxially oriented thin films of thermoplastic polymers by friction transfer onto smooth, rigid substrates. The resulting degree of orientation and thickness of these films depends on parameters such as sliding rate, pressure and substrate temperature. Moreover, an uniaxial orientation in the friction contact area of the sliding polymer bar takes place, too. This gives the possibility, to uniaxially orient nanometer thin layers on the surface of non-oriented polymer bulk material.