Thermal-induced edge barriers and forces in interlayer interaction of concentric carbon nanotubes

Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that thermal-induced edge barriers and forces can govern the interlayer interaction of double walled carbon nanotubes. As a result, friction in such systems depends on both the area of contact and the length of the contact edges. The latter effect is negligible...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inPhysical review letters Vol. 107; no. 10; p. 105502
Main Authors Guo, Zhengrong, Chang, Tienchong, Guo, Xingming, Gao, Huajian
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published United States 02.09.2011
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Summary:Molecular dynamics simulations reveal that thermal-induced edge barriers and forces can govern the interlayer interaction of double walled carbon nanotubes. As a result, friction in such systems depends on both the area of contact and the length of the contact edges. The latter effect is negligible in macroscopic friction and provides a feasible explanation for the seemingly contradictory laws of interlayer friction, which have been reported in the literature. The temperature-dependent edge forces can be utilized as a driving force in carbon nanotube thermal actuators, and has general implications for nanoscale friction and contact.
ISSN:1079-7114
DOI:10.1103/PhysRevLett.107.105502