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

这个合作项目的目的是结合三个机构的资源来研究分子薄膜在大范围滑动速度下的摩擦特性。这些薄膜被称为自组装单层膜（SAMs），由磷酸分子和含磷的长链碳基分子组成。这些sam将附着在氧化的金属表面，并为探索摩擦如何依赖于分子结构和分子附着的表面提供一个模型系统。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教授将比较使用两种不同的微/纳米级摩擦测量设备（原子力显微镜和集成纳米压头-石英微天平系统）进行的摩擦测量。奥本大学的W. Robert Ashurst教授将提前准备样品，为路德大学和圣奥拉夫大学的研究创造相同的摩擦界面。了解地对空导弹的摩擦特性提供了关于摩擦性质的一般信息，这一合作研究项目的结果将有助于弥合摩擦研究的科学和技术领域。由于机械装置的尺寸越来越小，它们的功能受到表面现象的限制，如摩擦和粘附。通过这种方式，低摩擦膦酸盐SAMs可能为微尺度器件的发展提供另一种途径。该项目体现了圣奥拉夫学院和路德学院为本科生提供获得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高级实验课程，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.