Tambe, N: Nikhil Tambe - Nanotribology

The miniaturization of moving components for various nanotechnology applications have ascribed paramount importance to the tribology and mechanics on the nanoscale. Most of these micro/nanodevices and components operate at very high sliding velocities (of the order of tens of mm/s to few m/s). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies to investigate potential materials, coatings and lubricants for these devices have been rendered inadequate due to the inherent limitations on the highest sliding velocities achievable with commercial AFMs (250 mm/s). The development of a new AFM based technique, done as part of this research work, has allowed nanotribological investigations over a wide range of velocities (up to 10 mm/s). Research conducted on various materials, coatings and lubricants reveals a strong velocity dependence of friction, adhesion and wear on the nanoscale. The interdependence of mechanical and tribological properties for various materials has been explored and tribologically ideal materials with low adhesion and friction for nanotechnology applications have been identified.