Interlayer forces and ultralow sliding friction in multiwalled carbon nanotubes

We describe interlayer force measurements during prolonged, cyclic telescoping motion of a multiwalled carbon nanotube. The force acting between the core and the outer casing is modulated by the presence of stable defects and generally exhibits ultralow friction, below the measurement limit of 1.4 x...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Physical review letters 2006-07, Vol.97 (2), p.025501-025501, Article 025501
Main Authors: Kis, A, Jensen, K, Aloni, S, Mickelson, W, Zettl, A
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:We describe interlayer force measurements during prolonged, cyclic telescoping motion of a multiwalled carbon nanotube. The force acting between the core and the outer casing is modulated by the presence of stable defects and generally exhibits ultralow friction, below the measurement limit of 1.4 x 10(-15) N/atom and total dissipation per cycle lower than 0.4 meV/atom. Defects intentionally introduced in the form of dangling bonds lead to temporary mechanical dissipation, but the innate ability of nanotubes to self heal rapidly optimizes the atomic structure and restores smooth motion.
ISSN:0031-9007
1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/physrevlett.97.025501