Interlayer forces and ultralow sliding friction in multiwalled carbon nanotubes.

摘要: We describe interlayer force measurements during prolonged, cyclic telescoping motion of a multiwalled carbon nanotube. The acting between the core and outer casing is modulated by presence stable defects generally exhibits ultralow friction, below measurement limit 1.4 x 10(-15) N/atom total dissipation per cycle lower than 0.4 meV/atom. Defects intentionally introduced in form dangling bonds lead to temporary mechanical dissipation, but innate ability nanotubes self heal rapidly optimizes atomic structure restores smooth motion.