Tribological Testing of Leather Surface Coated with Sputter-Deposited Ti-Ag-O Films

New leather treatment processes involving nanoparticles require new testing methods and procedures to evaluate their impact on human health. In the current work, the tribological properties of goat leather surfaces with sputter deposited Ti-Ag-O films were analyzed. A set of different polymer counter bodies was used to establish different tribological contact situations. A detailed analysis of the worn surfaces by scanning electron microscopy revealed details about the wear mechanisms ranging from abrasive to adhesive depending on the friction. Further, information about the formation of wear debris particles from the Ti-Ag-O films was obtained, in particular whether or not these particles were transferred to the counter body. The performed tests exemplify a possible testing procedure for leather treated with nanoparticles.