AVS 53rd International Symposium
    Applied Surface Science Thursday Sessions
       Session AS-ThP

Paper AS-ThP7
Surface Potential Measurement of Human Hair using Kelvin Probe Microscopy

Thursday, November 16, 2006, 5:30 pm, Room 3rd Floor Lobby

Session: Aspects of Applied Surface Science Poster Session
Presenter: R. Lodge, The Ohio State University
Authors: R. Lodge, The Ohio State University
B. Bhushan, The Ohio State University
Correspondent: Click to Email
Surface charge of human hair has a significant effect on manageability, feel, and appearance. For this reason, controlling charge buildup to improve these factors is an important issue in the commercial hair care industry. In this study the surface potential of human hair is measured using the Kelvin Probe method with an atomic force microscope (AFM). Charge is induced triboelectrically by rubbing lightly with a silicon AFM tip. The potential is then measured with a conductive tip over an area containing the charged surface. Caucasian virgin (undamaged), chemically damaged, and mechanically damaged hair samples are studied to determine the effect of damaging treatments on surface charge properties. Virgin samples of African and Asian subjects were measured to determine if ethnicity dependence exists. Samples treated with commercial conditioner as well as those treated with an amino silicone conditioner are also studied to determine the effect of conditioner treatment. Similarly, the effect of surrounding environment is studied by varying the relative humidity and temperature of the sample during both charging and surface potential measurement. The contrast in electrical properties between cuticle scale edges and cuticle surface is also presented. Electrical, chemical, and mechanical mechanisms for the given results are discussed and recommendations given.