Nanoscale dry friction: Dependence on load and sliding velocity

Abstract Numerous experimental and theoretical studies show different relationships between the kinetic dry friction force and the sliding velocity depending on the interacting materials, load, velocity range, etc. In our work, we developed a methodology for data analysis and interpretation to understand such complex and often unclear relationships. We measured the dependence of the friction force on the sliding velocity and load for SiOx–trichloro(3,3,3-trifluoropropyl)silane friction pair using the atomic force microscope. The results were transformed into a dependence on the velocity-to-load parameter, which allowed for a new insight into the nature of friction. All the transformed curves exhibited a similar minimum and their subsequent ranges were assigned to dominant friction mechanisms such as “stick-slip”, smooth sliding, adhesive friction and rebinding.