Abstract
Surfaces found in nature, including biological surfaces have been providing inspiration to modify/fabricate artificial surfaces as solutions for tribological applications. As an example, the concept of 'lotus-effect' has motivated tribologists world wide to modify/fabricate surfaces for enhanced tribological performance. These was done by creating nano/micro-scale asperities on various surfaces using ion beam milling and ion-beam assisted roughening. In order to understand the attributes of natural surfaces, which are inspirational to tribologists, we characterized the surface of two natural surfaces-Nelumbo nucifera (lotus) and Colocasia esculenta leaves. Further, we evaluated their micro-scale friction property, both in their fresh and dried conditions. The characterization of surfaces was conducted using a confocal microscope and SEM, which involved the evaluation of size and distribution of protuberances. The micro-scale friction property was evaluated using a ball-on-flat type micro-tribo tester, under reciprocating motion. A soda lime glass ball (2 mm diameter) was used in these tests. Tests were conducted at the applied normal load of $3000{\mu}N$, at a sliding speed of 1 mm/sec for a scan length of 3 mm. All experiments were conducted at ambient temperature ($24{\pm}1^{\circ}C}$) and relative humidity ($45{\pm}5%$). It was observed that the friction behaviour of the natural surfaces was influenced by their surface characteristics (morphology and distribution of protuberances) and also by the condition (fresh or dried) in which they were tested.
