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Molecular Tribometry: Recent Results and Future Prospects

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  28 February 2011

John Van Alsten  and
Steve Granick
John Van Alsten
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
Steve Granick
Affiliation:
Department of Materials Science and Engineering University of Illinois, Urbana, IL 61801
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Abstract

The method of molecular tribometry is described. Ultrathin films of liquids are confined between parallel plates, usually of atomically smooth muscovite mica, such that the apparent area of contact equals the true area of contact. This paper consists of 5 sections. First, the phenomenon of solid lubrication by liquids is described. Second, the alternative viscous response of ultrathin liquid lubricants is described; the microviscosity is considerably enhanced over that of the isotropic liquid. Third, the critical shear strength is shown to have an extreme dependence on the normal pressure. Fourth, the materials requirements for molecular tribometry are discussed. Finally, a discussion is offered of the strengths and limitations of this new tool.

Type
Research Article
Information
MRS Online Proceedings Library (OPL) , Volume 140: Symposium S – New Materials Approaches to Tribology: Theory and Applications , 1988 , 125
Copyright
Copyright © Materials Research Society 1989

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References

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