SOFT CONTACT TRIBOLOGY – Influence of fluid viscosity and wetting on multiscale viscoelastic lubrication in soft tribological contacts

PCS Instrument(s): MTM
Summary: This study shows that in soft tribological contacts—like skin, food, or medical devices—both fluid viscosity and wetting matter. High-viscosity fluids only reduce friction if they also spread well. Poor wetting leads to stick-slip and high friction. This insight helps design better lubricants for cosmetics, food texture, and biomedical applications.