Low-temperature ice nanofilm and its frictional behavior

COLL 257

Hong Liang1, Jean-Michel Martin2, and T. L. Mogne2. (1) Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alaska - Fairbanks, Fairbanks, AK 99775-5905, (2) Laboratoire de Tribologie et Dynamique des Systèmes UMR CNRS 5513, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, 36 avenue Guy de Collongue, 69134 Ecully Cedex, France
Using a unique technique, we formed a thin layer of ice on steel surface at temperature as low as 123K in an ultra-high vacuum (UHV). We investigated the frictional behavior of such a nanofilm in the same UHV using a pin-on-disk friction tester. The sample surfaces were in situ monitored using the X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscop (XPS). Testing data showed that the friction coefficient was a linear function of temperature. This study indicates that the ice surface was melted by friction over low temperatures. The friction-induced melting of nanofilm has profound impact on tribological performance of ice.