4582.1:
Friction reduction and control via nanopatterning
Abstract
The aim of this project is to achieve reduction and control of friction by means of surface nanopatterning. It has already been demonstrated (both experimentally and theoretically) that ultrasmall amplitude normal vibrations (externally induced) can reduce the friction almost to zero between contacting surfaces that are covered with organic molecules. Since the practical application of such an effect would be difficult, this project aims to replace the external vibration source by a periodic chemical patterning of the surfaces, such that, when sliding over each other, the surfaces experience a modulated interaction potential, inducing, in turn, the normal vibration. In this way, by controlling the periodicity of the pattern, the friction between the surfaces as a function of velocity could be controlled. This would be of great interest in such diverse applications as micromachines (MEMS), hard disks and gyro systems.