In tuning friction to the point where it disappears, technique could boost development of nanomachines
Thursday, June 4, 2015 - 13:20
in Physics & Chemistry
Friction is all around us, working against the motion of tires on pavement, the scrawl of a pen across paper, and even the flow of proteins through the bloodstream. Whenever two surfaces come in contact, there is friction, except in very special cases where friction essentially vanishes—a phenomenon, known as "superlubricity," in which surfaces simply slide over each other without resistance.