ABSTRACT
In recent years, great strides have been made in the design and manufacture of superslick surfaces affording friction coefficients down to 0.001 level. In this presentation, a comprehensive overview of what makes and breaks such frictionless states is provided in relation to the many intrinsic and extrinsic factors acting on the sliding contact interface. In light of the recent analytical, experimental and computational findings, an attempt will also be made to recap those mechanisms that are closely related to such nearly-frictionless behaviors. In particular, recent mechanistic studies on highly ordered and disordered materials are highlighted in relation to vanishing friction from nano- to macro-scales. Overall, these and other novel studies are leading the way for the design and production of next generation superslick materials and coatings that can dramatically reduce wear and friction in future mechanical systems.