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Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology pp 1223–1304Cite as

Structural, Nanomechanical and Nanotribological Characterization of Human Hair Using Atomic Force Microscopy and Nanoindentation

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Abstract

Human hair is a nanocomposite biological fiber. Healthy, soft hair with good feel, shine, color and overall aesthetics is generally highly desirable. It is important to study hair care products such as shampoos and conditioners as well as damaging processes such as chemical dyeing and permanent wave treatments because they affect the maintenance and grooming process and therefore alter many hair properties. Nanoscale characterization of the cellular structure, the mechanical properties, as well as the morphological, frictional and adhesive properties (tribological properties) of hair is essential if we wish to evaluate and develop better cosmetic products, and crucial to advancing the understanding of biological and cosmetic science. The atomic/friction force microscope (AFM/FFM) and nanoindenter have recently become important tools for studying the micro/nanoscale properties of human hair. In this chapter, we present a comprehensive review of structural, mechanical, and tribological properties of various hair and skin as a function of ethnicity, damage, conditioning treatment, and various environments. Various cellular structures of human hair and fine sublamellar structures of the cuticle are identified and studied. Nanomechanical properties such as hardness, elastic modulus, creep and scratch resistance are discussed. Nanotribological properties such as roughness, friction, and adhesion are presented, as well as investigations of conditioner distribution, thickness and binding interactions.

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Abbreviations

AFM:

atomic force microscopy

DI:

deionized

FCP:

force calibration plot

FESP:

force modulation etched Si probe

FFM:

friction force microscope

PDMS:

polydimethylsiloxane

RH:

relative humidity

SEM:

scanning electron microscopy

SFA:

surface force apparatus

TEM:

transmission electron microscopy

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Nanotribology Laboratory for Information Storage and MEMS/NEMS, The Ohio State University, W 390 Scott Laboratory, 201 W. 19th Avenue, 43210-1142, Columbus, OH, USA

    Bharat Bhushan Prof.

  2. Insulating Systems Business Owens Corning, 2790 Columbus Road, 43023, Granville, OH, USA

    Carmen LaTorre M.Sc.

  3. Department of Mechanical Engineering Nanotribology Laboratory for Information Storage and MEMS/NEMS, Ohio State University, 43210, Columbus, OH, USA

    Guohua Wei Dr.

Authors
  1. Bharat Bhushan Prof.
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  2. Carmen LaTorre M.Sc.
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  3. Guohua Wei Dr.
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Corresponding authors

Correspondence to Bharat Bhushan Prof. , Carmen LaTorre M.Sc. or Guohua Wei Dr. .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Nanotribology Laboratory for Information Storage and MEMS/NEMS (NLIM), Ohio State University, 201 W. 19th Avenue, W 390 Scott Laboratory, Ohio 43210-1142, Columbus, OH, USA

    Bharat Bhushan Prof.

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© 2007 Springer-Verlag

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Bhushan, B., LaTorre, C., Wei, G. (2007). Structural, Nanomechanical and Nanotribological Characterization of Human Hair Using Atomic Force Microscopy and Nanoindentation. In: Bhushan, B. (eds) Springer Handbook of Nanotechnology. Springer Handbooks. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-29857-1_40

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