Term: Friction

Category: Performance Features

Definition: Friction arises from surface roughness, material properties, and intermolecular interactions at the contact interface. It plays a critical role in controlling movement, energy loss, and surface wear. Friction can be beneficial (e.g., grip and traction) or undesirable (e.g., drag, heat generation, and material damage).

Types of friction:

• Static friction: Resistance that prevents motion from starting.
• Kinetic (sliding) friction: Resistance during continuous motion.

Related Content and Resources: 

Coefficient of Friction

friction Testing: Measuring Friction of Hydrophilic Medical Coatings