Structural superlubricity and ultralow friction across the length scales

Oded Hod (), Ernst Meyer, Quanshui Zheng () and Michael Urbakh
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Oded Hod: Tel Aviv University
Ernst Meyer: University of Basel
Quanshui Zheng: Tsinghua University
Michael Urbakh: Tel Aviv University

Nature, 2018, vol. 563, issue 7732, 485-492

Abstract: Abstract Structural superlubricity, a state of ultralow friction and wear between crystalline surfaces, is a fundamental phenomenon in modern tribology that defines a new approach to lubrication. Early measurements involved nanometre-scale contacts between layered materials, but recent experimental advances have extended its applicability to the micrometre scale. This is an important step towards practical utilization of structural superlubricity in future technological applications, such as durable nano- and micro-electromechanical devices, hard drives, mobile frictionless connectors, and mechanical bearings operating under extreme conditions. Here we provide an overview of the field, including its birth and main achievements, the current state of the art and the challenges to fulfilling its potential.

Keywords: Superlubricity; Ultralow Friction; Increasing Contact Size; Incommensurate Contact; Crystalline Contacts (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0704-z

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