Abstract
The friction coefficients of homogeneously oriented liquid crystal (LC) molecules were measured in different directions with the use of a reciprocating cylinder-on-disk configuration. The effects of surface topography on LC molecular arrangement were investigated by polarized Raman spectroscopy. The interactions between a brushed aluminum surface and LC molecules induce a planar alignment on the surface. Compared with liquid paraffin, LC on the contact area reduced the friction coefficient to a certain degree because of the ordered layer of LC molecules. Particularly, the friction coefficient was efficiently reduced when the sliding direction was parallel to the molecular orientation. Friction anisotropy was induced by the oriented LC molecules, which obeyed a Gaussian distribution. This work shed new light on the influence of the adsorbed film on friction, especially when thin-film lubrication is applied.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
