COLL 25 |
| Luis C. Fernández-Torres1, Xueying Zhao1, Byung-Il Kim2, and Scott S. Perry1. (1) Department of Chemistry, University of Houston, 4800 Calhoun Rd, 136 Fleming Bldg, Houston, TX 77204-5003, (2) Biomolecular Materials & Interfaces Department, Sandia National Laboratories, P.O. Box 5800, MS 1413, Albuquerque, NM 87185-1413 |
| The frictional modification of the non polar (100) plane of a vanadium carbide (VC) surface through small molecule adsorption at room temperature has been investigated from a fundamental perspective. These molecules represent the functionalities incorporated into lubricants. Ultrahigh vacuum scanning probe microscopies (SPM) have been employed to determine the changes in frictional response, interfacial adhesion, and surface morphology. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and temperature programmed desorption (TPD) have been utilized to determine the composition of the species formed by the interaction of these adsorbates with the VC surface. This successful methodology has been developed during a recent investigation of ethanol, and in this study has been extended to other low molecular weight alcohols, an ester, and a phosphate ester. The results will be rationalized in terms of chemical reactivity, adsorbate layer composition, extent of coverage, and changes in the interfacial shear strength and discussed in terms possible lubrication schemes. |
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Molecular Tribology
Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry |