Triboinduced adsorption of liquid-crystal nanomaterials under frictional interaction of solids

Abstract

269 Nowadays, ever increasing attention of experts in the field of the triboengineering and physics of condensed state is focused on the problem of realization of boundary layers structured at the nanolevel in contact with solids. It is actual under conditions of both static and dynamic contact with solids, when the presence of boundary layers with a special structure in the microgap between them defines the degree of friction-energy dissipation [1‐4]. The cholesteric liquid-crystal substances, which quite justifiably can be referred to the class of nanoobjects due to the size of their molecules and the structural features, occupy a special place in these events. Some authors cited them as an example of compounds that are widely involved in the production of unique nanoconstructions, for example, nucleinic acids, etc., in nature [5]. However, despite the very large number of experimental data revealing the mechanism of lubricant action of such liquid-crystal compounds, the regularities of their adsorption on friction surfaces between solids remain unclear. The theoretical and experimental data concerning the interaction of such nanomaterials with a solid surface, in particular, the adsorption of their molecules, describe the behavior of individual mesogenic substances and mainly consider the sphere of their electrooptical application [6, 7]. At the same time, the data on the interaction of solutions of nanocompositions having liquid-crystal properties with friction surfaces represent the clear interest in the tribologic aspect.