EFFECTS OF CHEMICALLY-BOUND, FLEXIBLE HYDROCARBON SPECIES ON THE FRICTIONAL-PROPERTIES OF DIAMOND SURFACES

We have used molecular dynamics simulations to examine friction when two diamond (111) surfaces are placed in sliding contact. We find that flexible hydrocarbon species, chemically bound to the diamond surface, can lead to a significant reduction of the calculated friction at high loads. In addition to clarifying the effects of such species on atomic-scale friction at diamond interfaces, these simulations might also yield insight into more complicated systems, e.g., Langmuir-Blodgett films, and aid in the design of low-friction coatings.