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Structure-Dependent Viscoelastic Properties of C(9)-Alkanethiol Monolayers

Journal Article · · Tribology Letters
OSTI ID:9716

Quartz crystal microbalance techniques and in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry are used to probe the structure-dependent intrinsic viscoelastic properties of self-assembled CH{sub 3}(CH{sub 2}){sub 8}SH alkanethiol monolayer adsorbed from the gas phase onto Au(111)-textured substrates. Physisorbed molecules, mixed chemisorbed-fluid/solid phases and solid-phase domain boundaries make sequentially dominant contributions to the measured energy dissipation in the growing monolayer. Deviations from Langmuir adsorption kinetics reveal a precursor-mediated adsorption channel. These studies reveal the impact of structural heterogeneity in tribological studies of monolayer lubricants.

Research Organization:
Sandia National Labs., Albuquerque, NM (US); Sandia National Labs., Livermore, CA (US)
Sponsoring Organization:
US Department of Energy (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC04-94AL85000
OSTI ID:
9716
Report Number(s):
SAND99-2080J
Journal Information:
Tribology Letters, Journal Name: Tribology Letters
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English