Nonlinear Friction Dynamics of Oil-in-Water and Water-in-Oil Emulsions on Hydrogel Surfaces

In this study, the friction properties of emulsions in an oral environment were investigated to understand the food-texture recognition mechanisms occurring on biological surfaces. Numerous publications have suggested that the friction phenomena depend on friction conditions, such as the surface characteristics, as well as the shape and movement of contact probes. Traditional friction evaluation systems are unsuitable for mimicking the oral environment. Thus, in this study, the friction forces between two fractal agar gel substrates in an emulsion were examined using a sinusoidal motion friction evaluation system that effectively mimics the oral environment. The physical properties of the fractal agar gel, including the elasticity, hydrophilicity, and surface roughness, were analogous to those of the human tongue. Furthermore, the sinusoidal motion imitated the movements of living organisms. Depending on the samples, three friction profiles were observed. For water, the surfactant aqueous solution, and olive oil, the friction profiles of the outward and homeward processes were symmetric (stable pattern). Interestingly, for an oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion, friction behaviors with not only an asymmetric friction profile (unstable pattern I) but also a lubrication phenomenon, which temporarily decreased the friction force (unstable pattern II), were noted. The probability for the appearance of unstable patterns and adhesion force between the gel substrates increased with the oil content of the O/W emulsions. These characteristic friction phenomena were attributed to the strong adhesive force in the emulsion, which was sandwiched between the agar gel substrates. The findings obtained in this study would contribute significantly to understanding the food-texture recognition mechanisms and dynamic phenomena occurring on biological surfaces.

Automated summary

This study investigated the friction properties of emulsions in an oral environment using a sinusoidal motion friction evaluation system that mimics the oral environment effectively. Different friction profiles were observed for various samples, with oil-in-water emulsions exhibiting asymmetric friction characteristics and lubrication phenomenon. The findings contribute significantly to understanding food-texture recognition mechanisms and dynamic phenomena on biological surfaces.