In situ observation of the molecular ordering in the lubricating point contact area

Abstract

The organization of lubricant molecules confined between two solid surfaces when the lubricant film thickness is at the nanoscale is unknown. In this work, an ordering process of nematic liquid crystal molecules is observed by in situ polarized Raman spectroscopy of the lubricated point contact area. Our experimental results indicate that 4-n-pentyl-4′-cyanobiphenyl liquid crystal molecules orient along the rotation direction when the linear speed exceeds 12.6 mm/s, and the degree of order increases with linear speed. The relationship between the observed orientation and physical properties of the lubricant film is investigated. Isotropic orientation is observed at the outlet area of the contact region. The orientation behavior of liquid crystal molecules in a confined area is observed and the relationship between lubrication conditions and molecular orientation is discussed.