Nanoscale wear and machining behavior of nanolayer interfaces.

Nie, Xueyuan; Zhang, Peng; Weiner, Anita M; Cheng, Yang-Tse · Nano Lett · 2005

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

An atomic force microscope was used to subnanometer incise a nanomultilayer to consequently expose individual nanolayers and interfaces on which sliding and scanning nanowear/machining have been performed. The letter reports the first observation on the nanoscale where (i) atomic debris forms in a collective manner, most-likely by deformation and rupture of atomic bonds, and (ii) the nanolayer interfaces possess a much higher wear resistance (desired for nanomachines) or lower machinability (not desired for nanomachining) than the layers.