Langmuir, Vol.21, No.26, 12197-12206, 2005
Odd and even model self-assembled monolayers: Links between friction and structure
The friction between an amorphous carbon tip and two n-alkane monolayers has been examined using classical molecular dynamics simulations. The two monolayers have the same packing density, but the chains comprising each monolayer differ in length by one -CH2- unit. The simulations show that the monolayers composed of C-13 chains have higher friction than those composed of C-14 chains when sliding in the direction of chain cant; the difference in friction becomes more pronounced as the load is increased. Examination of the contact forces between the chains and the tip, along with conformational differences between the two chain types, lends insight into the friction differences.