Tribological properties of a silica nanoparticle-textured (SNPT) surface were investigated at the nanoscale using a nanoindenter. The sample was fabricated by spin coating chemically synthesized silica nanoparticle solution onto a silicon substrate and then annealing the substrate in an N2 environment. Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) and scanning probe microscopy (SPM) were used to characterize the morphology of the SNPT surface. Adhesion and friction experiments were performed with a diamond tip of nominal radius of curvature of 5 μ m, under contact forces of 750-1500 μ N, and with sliding speed of 0.1-2 μ m/s. The nanotribological properties of the SNPT sample were compared to those of a smooth silicon oxide film (SOF)-coated sample. The adhesion performance of the SNPT surface was found to be much better than that of the SOF surface. The coefficient of friction (COF) reduced up to 26%.
Presented at the STLE Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 15-19, 2005
Review led by Greg Sawyer
Notes
Presented at the STLE Annual Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, May 15-19, 2005
Review led by Greg Sawyer