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.

Autorentext

Nikhil S Tambe obtained his PhD from The Ohio State University in the area of nanotribology of materials, coatings & lubricants. His research was highlighted in Nature Materials & rated amongst the top few by IOP in 2005. More recently Nikhil has been working on industrial applications of nanotechnology with GE Global Research, Bangalore.

Klappentext

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.