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The Role of Fabric in Frictional Properties of Phyllosilicate-Rich Tectonic Faults

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Nonlinear friction characteristics between silica surfaces in high pH solution.

Elena Taran¹, Yoichi Kanda, Ivan U Vakarelski

¹Department of Chemical Engineering, Kyoto University, Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan.

Journal of Colloid and Interface Science

|January 9, 2007

Summary

Friction between silica surfaces differs significantly with pH. At high pH, a novel nonlinear friction behavior emerges, independent of surface roughness due to a protective layer.

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Area of Science:

Tribology
Surface Chemistry
Materials Science

Background:

Understanding friction at the molecular level is crucial for designing advanced materials and devices.
Silica surfaces are widely used in various applications, making their tribological properties important.
The influence of solution chemistry, particularly pH, on interfacial forces is a key area of research.

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the molecular-scale friction characteristics between silica particles and wafers in aqueous solutions at normal (pH 5.6) and high (pH 10.6) pH.
To elucidate the impact of pH on friction force dependence on loading force and surface roughness.
To identify the underlying mechanisms responsible for observed friction behaviors.

Main Methods:

Utilizing the lateral force measurement mode of Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).
Conducting experiments in aqueous solutions at controlled pH values (5.6 and 10.6).
Employing dynamic normal force measurements with AFM to characterize surface layers.

Main Results:

At normal pH, friction force increased linearly with loading force, consistent with Amontons' law.
At high pH, friction showed nonlinear behavior: reduced increase at low loads, followed by an abrupt rise above a critical load.
High pH friction was independent of surface roughness, unlike normal pH friction, suggesting a different interfacial mechanism.

Conclusions:

A pH-dependent transition in friction behavior occurs at the silica-water interface.
The observed nonlinear friction at high pH is attributed to a 'hairy-like' layer formed on the silica surface.
AFM confirmed the existence of this layer, estimated to be at least 1.3 nm thick, which alters tribological response.