Dynamic Friction of Nano-Sliding between Graphite

摘要

We measured the dynamic friction of nano-sliding between graphite surfaces using a new apparatus. This apparatus enables us to obtain the frictional force of nano-sliding down to a sub-atomic distance. For large sliding distances above 0.68~nm, it was found that the frictional force, i.e., the energy dissipation per distance, is constant. In contrast, for small sliding distances below 0.68~nm, this force was proportional to distance. From these observations, we can conclude that the mechanism of dynamic friction undergoes a drastic change when the sliding distance becomes smaller than the lattice constant. [DOI: 10.1380/ejssnt.2012.100]