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联合三个机构的资源，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分子膜(SAM)，将由磷酸分子组成，长链碳基分子包括磷。这些自组装膜将被附着在氧化金属表面，并提供一个模型系统，用于探索摩擦力如何依赖于分子结构和分子附着的表面。在本科生的密集参与下，路德学院的Erin Flater教授和圣奥拉夫学院的Brian Borovsky教授将分别比较使用两种不同的微纳尺度摩擦测量设备-原子力显微镜和集成的纳米压头-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，为路德和圣奥拉夫的研究创造相同的摩擦界面。了解SAM的摩擦特性提供了有关摩擦本质的一般信息，这一合作研究计划的结果将有助于在摩擦研究的科学和技术领域架起桥梁。随着机械设备的尺寸变得更小，它们的功能受到表面现象的限制，如摩擦和粘合。通过这种方式，低摩擦的磷酸盐自组装膜可能为微尺度器件的发展提供了一条替代途径。这个项目体现了圣奥拉夫学院和路德学院的奉献精神，为本科生提供获得指导研究机会和现代仪器的机会。开发的技术将被纳入现有的高级实验室课程，最大限度地发挥合作者的教育影响？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.