Distinct stick-slip modes in adhesive polymer interfaces

Stick-slip, manifest as intermittent tangential motion between two solids, is a well-known friction instability that occurs in a number of natural and engineering systems. In the context of adhesive polymer interfaces, this phenomenon has often been solely associated with Schallamach waves, which are termed slow waves due to their slow propagation speeds. We study the dynamics of a model polymer interface using coupled force measurements and high speed in situ imaging, to explore the occurrence of stick-slip linked to other slow wave phenomena. Two new waves—slip pulse and separation pulse—both distinct from Schallamach waves, are described. The slip pulse is a sharp stress front that propagates in the same direction as the Schallamach wave, while the separation pulse involves local interface detachment and travels in the opposite direction. Transitions between these stick-slip modes are easily effected by changing the sliding velocity or normal load. The properties of these three waves, and their relation to stick-slip is elucidated. We also demonstrate the important role of adhesion in effecting wave propagation. •Three modes of stick-slip in soft adhesive surfaces demonstrated.•Each stick-slip mode corresponds to propagation of a single slow surface wave.•Domains of occurrence governed by sliding velocity and normal load.•Wave properties and transitions between waves demonstrated.•Importance of interface adhesion in effecting wave propagation.