Atomic scale friction and adhesion properties of quasicrystal surfaces

Abstract

In this paper, we highlight recent studies of the atomic scale friction and adhesion properties of quasicrystals. We review tribological studies carried out in different mechanical regimes (elastic and inelastic) and at different length scales (macroscale and nanoscale). We address the role of the surface oxide and the nature of mechanical contact in determining friction and adhesion properties. We discuss the relationship between the aperiodic atomic structure of quasicrystals and their low friction, for both elastic and inelastic regimes.