Nanoscience: friction and rheology on the nanometer scale

Friction force microscopy is an important analytical tool in the field of tribology on the nanometer-scale. The contact area between the probing tip and the sample is reduced to some square nanometers, corresponding to the ideal of a single asperity contact. Traditional concepts, such as friction coefficients, adhesion and elasticity and stick-slip are re-examined with this novel technique. New concepts based upon classical and quantum mechanics are investigated.Contents: Introduction and Motivation; Instruments; Normal Forces at the Atomic Scale; Understanding of Lateral Forces; Dissipation Mechanisms; Nanorheology and Nanoconfinement; Generation of Ultrasonic Waves in Sliding Friction; Friction Force Microscopy Experiments; Appendix: Instrumental Aspects of Force Microscopy.Readership: Graduate and researchers in physics, chemistry and materials science.