Influence of capillary condensation of water on nanotribology studied by force microscopy

Abstract

The influence of capillary condensation and humidity to friction and adhesion properties on a nanometer scale has been studied using a bidirectional force microscope. On a hydrophilic silicon oxide surface strong capillary formation could be observed at high humidities, whereas, on less hydrophilic amorphous carbon films and lubricated silicon oxide surfaces, capillary formation is suppressed. The hydrophilicity of the surface is also found to promote the lubricative effects of adsorbed water.