Molecular-Dynamics Simulation Of The Friction Of The Carbon Nanotube

Carbon nanotube has been expected to be a suitable material to the apex of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) tips because of its unique physical properties and special structures. Molecular-dynamics (MD) simulation method is used in this presentation to investigate the friction between carbon nanotube and diamond and Ar surface. The friction which occurs when carbon nanotube and surface are placed in sliding contact is investigated for sliding in different directions, as a function of applied load, temperature, and sliding velocity. The friction coefficientμis approximately independent of sliding velocity and applied load when carbon nanotube is sliding on the diamond surface. In these conditions, The friction coefficient is only equal 0.001.We think it is the superlubric state. The main reason is the uncommensurate contact between nanotube's crystal orientation and diamond's crystal orientation. Stick-slip of friction is found when carbon nanotube is sliding on the surface. We think the change of atomic-lattice's position is the main reason. Because of effecting of Ar,stick-slip and superlubric is not found when nanotube is sliding on the suface(Ar spreaded on the diamond surface) .Nanotube is nearly free from wear at all the sliding process because of its unique physical properties and special structures and superlubric state.