Tribological behaviour of skin equivalents and ex-vivo human skin against the material components of artificial turf in sliding

This research aims to analyse the interaction of three artificial skin equivalents and human skin against the main material components of artificial turf. The tribological performance of Lorica, Silicone Skin L7350 and a recently developed Epidermal Skin Equivalent (ESE) were studied and compared to ex-vivo human skin samples. The surface of the ex-vivo skin was analysed via confocal microscopy and histology. The results indicated a similar performance of the Lorica and ESE samples when compared to the ex-vivo skin whereas the Silicone Skin L7350 showed significant differences. The results suggested also a key role of the intrinsic properties of the NBR material to the friction against human skin, compared to PA 6.6 or PE surfaces in a similar sliding contact