AVS 49th International Symposium
    Nanometer Structures Tuesday Sessions
       Session NS+SE+SS+MM-TuM

Paper NS+SE+SS+MM-TuM3
Frictional Properties of Small Model Lubricant Molecules Adsorbed on VC(100)

Tuesday, November 5, 2002, 9:00 am, Room C-207

Session: Nanotribology
Presenter: L.C. Fernandez-Torres, University of Houston
Authors: L.C. Fernandez-Torres, University of Houston
S.S. Perry, University of Houston
B.-I. Kim, Sandia National Laboratories
Correspondent: Click to Email
The frictional modification of the non polar (100) of vanadium carbide (VC) surface through small molecule adsorption at room temperature has been investigated from a fundamental perspective. These molecules represent the functionalities incorporated into lubricants and used to appropriately tailor the lubricant's properties and enhance its performance. Ultrahigh vacuum atomic force microscopy (AFM) has been employed to determine the changes in frictional response and interfacial adhesion. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) has been used to elucidate surface morphology. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) has been utilized to determine the composition of the species formed by the interaction of these adsorbates with the VC surface. This successful methodology has been developed during a recent investigation of ethanol, and in this study has been extended to other low molecular weight alcohols as well as an ester. The results will be rationalized in terms of chemical reactivity, adsorbate layer composition, extent of coverage, and changes in the interfacial shear strength and discussed in terms possible lubrication schemes.