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Direct measurement of normal and shear forces between surface-grown polyelectrolyte layers.

Polyelectrolyte brushes are a model for lubrication at artificial and biological polymer-coated interfaces. This publication measured single-asperity forces between densely grafted brushes on oppositely-charged surfaces. We combined surface-initiated ATRP with the surface forces apparatus: a major technical challenge. We made first observations of a theoretically-predicted two-layer structure, later confirmed (Langmuir 28, 3187), which shows excellent lubrication with a low friction at high compressions. Citing articles range from fundamental studies of brushes (Langmuir 27, 14599, Angw. Chem. Int. Ed. 51 5092) to medical implants (Biomacromolecules 13, 3120). This is the first publication from a new collaboration with Prof. Wilhelm Huck (Cambridge/Nijmegen).