This research project, in the Analytical and Surface Chemistry Program, is designed to investigate the molecular aspects of friction and wear. The approach to molecular tribology to be used in this project includes friction measurements on well characterized surfaces using pin and v-block apparatus, as well as microbalance studies of lubricant film growth kinetics. The extreme pressure lubrication behavior of possible lubricant compounds will be used to develop a model of the mechanism of lubricant action. The results will then be related to ultra high vacuum studies of the molecular surface chemistry of these model lubricant compounds on well characterized surfaces. %%% A detailed molecular level understanding of the processes of friction and wear would be very useful in designing improved lubricants and wear reducing additives in a variety of important technological applications. This research project will approach this question from a very fundamental point of view, coupling engineering measurements of friction properties with detailed analysis of the surface chemistry of the solid/lubricant system. The goal of the work is to develop the understanding which will enable the rational design of lubricant compounds.
