Recent progress in microtribology

Abstract

Sliders having very small mass (less than 10 mg) are beginning to be used in magnetic recording devices and very light contacting loads (less than 1 μN) are expected to be used in ultrahigh-density recording devices using the point-recording technique. These newer devices will require wear rates that are virtually zero. The wear on such sliding surfaces is primarily due to the surface interaction forces rather than the load. The ultimate goal of microtribology is to create practical zero-wear devices with very small mass and very light load. Computer simulation of molecular dynamics is used to trace the movement of each atom in sliding surfaces and of each molecule in lubricant films. New tools, such as scanning probe microscopes, are being used to evaluate sliding surfaces and lubricant films. Experimental studies of microwear processes on solid surfaces and of lubrication using very thin lubricant films have recently begun. Microtribology is an important technology for development of new microdevices, and also an important science for understanding the origin of friction and wear. Close cooperation between scientists and engineers is necessary. However, as we have very little of the knowledge needed for microtribology, we must obtain much more data.