Interlayer Forces and Ultralow Sliding Friction in MultiwalledCarbon Nanotubes

Journal Article · Thu Mar 30 00:00:00 EST 2006 · Physical Review Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.97.025501· OSTI ID:917823

Kis, A; Jensen, K; Aloni, S; Mickelson, W; Zettl, A

We describe interlayer force measurements during prolonged,cyclic telescoping motion of a multiwalled carbon nanotube. The forceacting between the core and the outer casing is modulated by the presenceof stable defects and generally exhibits ultralow friction, below themeasurement limit of 1.4x10-15 N/atom and total dissipation per cyclelower than 0.4 meV/atom. Defects intentionally introduced in the form ofdangling bonds lead to temporary mechanical dissipation, but the innateability of nanotubes to self heal rapidly optimizes the atomic structureand restores smooth motion.

• Research Organization: Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE Director. Office of Science. Biological andEnvironmental Research
• DOE Contract Number: DE-AC02-05CH11231
• OSTI ID: 917823
• Report Number(s): LBNL-61721; PRLTAO; R&D Project: 50MF60; TRN: US200817%%896
• Journal Information: Physical Review Letters, Vol. 97; Related Information: Journal Publication Date: 07/11/2006; ISSN 0031-9007
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

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CARBON
DEFECTS
FRICTION
NANOTUBES
SLIDING FRICTION