Distinguishability of Surfaces with Altered Molecular Structures

• Lily Walton, Engineering Undecided, University of Delaware

• Charles Dhong, Materials Science and Engineering, University of Delaware

Haptic devices are traditionally focused on tactile perception with physical features, but materials chemistry can be used to investigate fine touch at the molecular level. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) are a single layer of molecules bound to a surface by solution or vapor deposition. Silanes can be deposited on substrates to alter the molecular structure of the surface and form SAMs.  These SAMs are known to alter surface frictional and adhesion forces based on their structure. Further changes to the structure can also be made by chemically crosslinking the silanized surface. We compared the distinguishability of SAMs with varying structures through custom mechanical friction testing and cross-correlation analysis to predict fine touch. Current haptic devices rely on changing physical features to create different tactile stimuli, which limits the type of sensations that can be used. Materials chemistry in fine touch can expand the range of tactile perception for use in haptic devices as well as assistive technology for the visually impaired.