Overcoming friction and steps towards superlubricity: A review of underlying mechanisms

Abstract

Herein, we present a topical review of the advances and the mechanisms involved in achieving superlubricity - the regime of friction in which the coefficient of friction (COF) is less than 0.01. In light of the race towards achieving superlubricity on an industrial scale, this review gives a brief overview of the friction dissipating mechanisms at an atomic scale and the atomistic models devised over the years to explain the phenomena of superlubricity. Furthermore, specific emphasis is given to the mechanisms discovered yet to achieve superlubricity on both micro and macro scales in accordance with their physical fundamentals. Additionally, a brief overview of certain obstacles in the course of the same to guide the emerging directions of research is also discussed in the later section. This review provides better guidance for understanding the basics and advancements over the years in the domain of superlubricity facilitating, its transition from laboratories to engineering scale applications.