Towards A Better Physical Understanding Of Human Hair: Development Of Fiber Tribology Methods At The Micro And Nanoscale

The study aimed to enhance physical measurement methods for examining micro-fiber surfaces, focusing on changes in hair surfaces due to different shampoo formulations. It investigated the physical changes at macro, micro, and nanoscale levels, emphasizing the friction and interaction properties of hair treated with hair care products. The research specifically examined three commercially available cationic polymers (Polyquaternium-10, Polyquaternium-87, and Jaguar C-13S) and their interaction with the negatively charged hair surface. A modified Universal Surface Tester provided results on hair friction properties, showing that all three polymers reduced friction forces, with Polyquaternium-87 achieving the highest reduction. The study also developed methods to separate various interaction forces, using a modified atomic force microscope to detect interactions between individual hairs.