Friction dependence on alpha-relaxations in a tethered polymer monolayer.

Jia, Junhong; Bender, Jonathan W · Nano Lett · 2007

basic_science · Level V

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Abstract

Functionalized low-molecular-weight polyisoputylene is commonly used as a lubricant additive to control low-velocity friction in clutches. The friction of tethered monolayers as a function of temperature and velocity was examined using lateral force microscopy. The friction force was found to obey time-temperature superposition, which indicates that the friction originates from a single relaxation mode. The scaling factors are identical to those obtained from neutron spin echo experiments of alpha-relaxations, linking the friction directly to segmental motion.