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Updated: Jan 2, 2026

Fabrication of Superhydrophobic Metal Surfaces for Anti-Icing Applications
Published on: August 15, 2018
Solidification and superlubricity with molecular alkane films.
Alexander M Smith1,2, James E Hallett3, Susan Perkin1
1Physical and Theoretical Chemistry Laboratory, Department of Chemistry, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QZ, United Kingdom; susan.perkin@chem.ox.ac.uk Alexander.Smith@unige.ch.
Investigating dodecane films between mica surfaces revealed ultralow friction. This occurs for single molecular layers on misaligned, dry surfaces, attributed to sliding at incommensurate interfaces.
Area of Science:
- Tribology
- Materials Science
- Surface Science
Background:
- Hydrocarbon films confined between mica surfaces are model systems for studying confined liquids.
- Fundamental questions about phase behavior and shear properties in these systems remain.
- Previous studies lacked ultrasensitive resolution for nanoscale film analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate shear forces and phase transitions in nanoscale dodecane films.
- To understand friction mechanisms at the molecular level.
- To correlate friction with surface alignment and interface conditions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized ultrasensitive measurements of film thickness and shear stress.
- Controlled crystallographic alignment of smooth mica surfaces.
- Examined dodecane films down to a single molecular layer.
Main Results:
- Resolved conditions for liquid-solid phase transitions in confined dodecane.
- Observed friction coefficients spanning several orders of magnitude.
- Identified ultralow friction (down to [Formula: see text]) for single dodecane layers on misaligned, dry mica surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Commensurate alignment and interface water lead to moderate/high friction.
- Ultralow friction is linked to sliding at incommensurate interfaces between mica and ordered dodecane.
- Findings reconcile previous interpretations of friction in confined hydrocarbon systems.
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