Keywords

Atomic Force Microscope (AFM), Metallic Nanopore Structure (MNS), Pull-Off Force, Friction

AFM Characterization of Effects of Electrical Potential on Self-Organized Metallic Nanopore Structures

Effects of an applied electrical potential on the surface structure and forces will be studied in this research. Nickel-based-metallic nanopore structures (MNS) were fabricated and characterized with an atomic force microscope (AFM). Tribological performance, surface morphology, and phase distribution were evaluated. Results showed that the MNS expanded with the increase in electrical potential. The friction and pull-off force obtained using the AFM were found to decrease with the increase in electrical potential. This is due to the decrease in contact area. The nickel based MNS enables the control of friction and pull-off force, it is beneficial for design of nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS).

Authors and Company/Institution

Sunghan Kim and Andreas A. Polycarpou, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
Hong Liang, Department of Mechanical Engineering/Materials Science and Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX