RUI/Collaborative Research: The Molecular Origins of Friction - A Study Across Velocity Regimes of Phosphonate Monolayers on Alternative MEMS-Type Surfaces

这项合作计画的目的是将三个机构的资源联合收割机，研究分子薄膜在各种滑动速度下的摩擦特性。这些薄膜被称为自组装单分子层（SAM），将由膦酸分子组成，膦酸分子是一种长链碳基分子，其中包括磷。这些自组装膜将附着在氧化的金属表面，并提供一个模型系统，用于探索摩擦如何取决于分子结构和分子附着的表面。在本科生的积极参与下，路德学院的Erin Flater教授和圣奥拉夫学院的Brian Borovsky教授将分别使用两种不同的微/纳米摩擦测量设备（原子力显微镜和集成纳米压头-石英微量天平系统）进行摩擦测量。W.奥本大学的罗伯特·艾舍斯特将提前准备好样品，为路德和圣奥拉夫的研究创造相同的摩擦界面。了解自组装膜的摩擦特性可以提供有关摩擦性质的一般信息，这项合作研究计划的结果将有助于弥合摩擦研究的科学和技术领域。随着机械设备尺寸的减小，它们的功能受到表面现象的限制，例如摩擦和粘附。以这种方式，低摩擦的膦酸盐自组装膜可以为微尺度器件的开发提供替代途径。该项目体现了圣奥拉夫学院和路德学院为本科生提供指导研究机会和现代仪器的奉献精神。开发的技术将被纳入现有的先进的实验室课程，最大限度地提高合作者的教育影响？研究项目。

The purpose of this collaborative project is to combine the resources of three institutions to study the frictional properties of molecularly-thin films for a wide range of sliding speeds. These films, known as self-assembled monolayers (SAMs), will be composed of phosphonic acid molecules, long-chain carbon-based molecules that include phosphorous. These SAMs will be attached to oxidized metal surfaces and provide a model system for exploring how friction depends on molecular structure and the surface to which the molecules are attached. With intensive involvement of undergraduate students, Prof. Erin Flater at Luther College and Prof. Brian Borovsky at St. Olaf College will compare frictional measurements performed using two distinct micro/nanoscale friction measuring devices, an atomic force microscope and an integrated nanoindenter - quartz microbalance system, respectively. Prof. W. Robert Ashurst at Auburn University will prepare the samples in advance, to create identical frictional interfaces for study at Luther and St. Olaf. Understanding the frictional properties of SAMs provides information about the nature of friction in general, and the results of this collaborative research program will help bridge the scientific and technical areas of friction research. As mechanical devices are made smaller in size, their functionality is limited by surface phenomena, such as friction and adhesion. In this way, low friction phosphonate SAMs may provide an alternative pathway for the development of microscale devices. This project exemplifies the dedication of St. Olaf College and Luther College to provide undergraduate students with access to mentored research opportunities and modern instrumentation. The techniques developed will be incorporated into existing advanced laboratory courses, maximizing the educational impact of the collaborators? research programs.