In other words, the research team members are seeking a scenario in which the two surfaces experience little friction as they slide over each other. The authors write about the course of recent trials and the potential benefits resulting from them Physical review letters.
Read also: Battery charged in just minutes? The new device is impressive not only in this regard
Scientists even talk about a term known as Superior lubrication, which of course refers to very slippery materials. This problem concerns smooth molecular surfaces, such as graphene, and has so far only been studied in laboratory conditions. The surfaces created during the experiments are manufactured on the nano and micron scale and provide 1,000 to 10,000 times less friction than usual.
What is particularly interesting is that materials that exhibit superlubricity do not obey the common relationship by which body mass affects frictional force. This means that such a surface will not show greater frictional force even in the case of a huge increase in mass. As the authors of the latest paper add, thanks to their efforts they were able to discover that there are simultaneous fluctuations of the surfaces of objects that generate friction. Their occurrence may be caused by random vibrations of surface atoms.
Superlubrication is a phenomenon that indicates increased surface slippage, i.e. decreased friction
It is worth emphasizing that these vibrations are common at positive temperatures, and as the temperature decreases, their intensity decreases. The conclusion is simple: by lowering the surface temperature, friction can be reduced further. Superlubricity is even more surprising and turns out to be contrary to generally accepted rules. The force of friction depends not only on temperature, but also on sliding speed and contact area.
As the members of the research team summarize, so far they have been able to explain the atomic mechanism of the independence of the force of friction from the mass of the object. In addition, they formulated new laws of friction related to the phenomenon of superlubrication. Even if it turns out to contradict other rules of physics, it accurately describes this amazing phenomenon.
Read also: Transistors are so thin that they are difficult to see with the naked eye. The Chinese used unusual materials
Further progress in this area, which would lead, for example, to the creation of such surfaces on millimeter or centimeter scales, would have a significant impact on everyday performance. There is talk of a significant reduction in energy consumption. Since lower temperatures provide better results, we can expect superlubrication engineers to deliver increasingly demanding results.
Echo Richards embodies a personality that is a delightful contradiction: a humble musicaholic who never brags about her expansive knowledge of both classic and contemporary tunes. Infuriatingly modest, one would never know from a mere conversation how deeply entrenched she is in the world of music. This passion seamlessly translates into her problem-solving skills, with Echo often drawing inspiration from melodies and rhythms. A voracious reader, she dives deep into literature, using stories to influence her own hardcore writing. Her spirited advocacy for alcohol isn’t about mere indulgence, but about celebrating life’s poignant moments.
