The frictional performance of ex vivo skin was studied in a range of pressures between 0.5 and 20 kPa. Modifications in the coefficient of friction under different conditions stressed the important role of adhesion. The friction coefficient of “untreated” skin was obtained between 2.3–0.5, between 5.5 and 0.65 for wet skin and in a range between 0.65 and 0.35 for oil-covered skin. The contribution of capillary adhesion under wet conditions was analysed by the Hertzian and JKR contact models. The high coefficient of friction obtained under wet conditions could not be explained by the softening effect of the stratum corneum and capillary adhesion only. The results suggested a further influence of water in the physicochemical properties of the stratum corneum with a subsequent effect on friction. ... Read more

This research aims to analyse the interaction of three artificial skin equivalents and human skin against the main material components of artificial turf. The tribological performance of Lorica, Silicone Skin L7350 and a recently developed Epidermal Skin Equivalent (ESE) were studied and compared to ex-vivo human skin samples. The surface of the ex-vivo skin was analysed via confocal microscopy and histology. The results indicated a similar performance of the Lorica and ESE samples when compared to the ex-vivo skin whereas the Silicone Skin L7350 showed significant differences. The results suggested also a key role of the intrinsic properties of the NBR material to the friction against human skin, compared to PA 6.6 or PE surfaces in a similar sliding contact. ... Read more