The tribological properties of ultra-thin ionic liquid films (IL films) were evaluated using a Universal Micro-tribometer-2MT tester. The morphologies of the wear tracks of the films and the counterpart surfaces were examined using a JEM-1200EX scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with a Kevex energy dispersive X-ray analyzer (EDXA) attachment. It was found that the tribological performances of IL films were closely related to the chemical characteristics of the substrate surfaces. The films of vinyl group functionalized ionic liquids on hydroxylated substrate and vinyl group modified substrate exhibited very good friction-reduction and wear-resistant properties. IL films can be a potential solution to the lubrication of miniaturized devices.

Volume Subject Area:
Micro- and Nanotribology
Topics:
Atomic, molecular, and chemical characteristics, Friction, Liquid films, Lubrication, Scanning electron microscopes, Thin films, Tribology, Tribometers, Wear, X-rays
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Copyright © 2005
 by ASME
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