Polymer Surface Dynamics and Boundary Lubrication

Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Investigators

Abstract

0004525 Archer There is a long-standing need for engineering materials that are in one way or another self lubricating. These materials are promising for a variety of applications where conventional lubricants either cannot be used (e.g., joint replacement surgery in humans), or where their use is too costly (e.g. deployed space vehicles, such as satellites, space-based observatories, and permanently deployed space exploration equipment). Self-lubricated components also hold promise for preventing premature failure of micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). To design an effective self-lubricated material from the molecular, nano-scale, it is necessary that lubricant molecules possess high surface mobility even when chemically grafted to a rigid substrate. The objective of the proposed research is two-fold: First, to fundamentally understand dynamics of uncharged polymeric and oligomeric species tethered to solid substrates; and Second, to develop high-mobility oligomer and polymer lubricating coatings using tethered molecules, as a design of lubricating surfaces from the nano-scale up. The suitability of these coatings for self-lubricated MEMS fabrication will be evaluated in collaboration with researchers at the Cornell Nanofabrication facility.