Control of Friction by Shear Induced Phase Transitions.

Contribution from O.K. Dudko, A.E. Filippov, J. Klafter and M. Urbakh School of Chemistry, Tel Aviv University

Controlling frictional behavior can be made possible when a relationship is established between the macroscopic frictional response and the microscopic properties of sheared molecular systems. A new approach is suggested for modifying the macroscopic frictional response through shear induced phase transitions in a mixed lubricant monolayer of a base solvent and an additive. The solvent-additive intermolecular interaction and relative concentration play a major role in determining the friction force magnitude and the nature of the response; namely, if it is stick-slip or sliding.