Open AccessMacroscale Robust Superlubricity on Metallic NbB 2
Author(s) -
Wang Jia,
Liu Chang,
Miao Kaifei,
Zhang Kan,
Zheng Weitao,
Chen Changfeng
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
advanced science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.388
H-Index - 100
ISSN - 2198-3844
DOI - 10.1002/advs.202103815
Subject(s) - materials science , electrical resistivity and conductivity , metal , thermal conduction , durability , nanotechnology , range (aeronautics) , friction coefficient , composite material , static friction , millimeter , metallurgy , physics , optics , quantum mechanics
Robust superlubricity (RSL), defined by concurrent superlow friction and wear, holds great promise for reducing material and energy loss in vast industrial and technological operations. Despite recent advances, challenges remain in finding materials that exhibit RSL on macrolength and time scales and possess vigorous electrical conduction ability. Here, the discovery of RSL is reported on hydrated NbB 2 films that exhibit vanishingly small coefficient of friction (0.001–0.006) and superlow wear rate (≈10 −17 m 3 N −1 m −1 ) on large length scales reaching millimeter range and prolonged time scales lasting through extensive loading durations. Moreover, the measured low resistivity (≈10 −6 Ω m) of the synthesized NbB 2 film indicates ample capability for electrical conduction, extending macroscale RSL to hitherto largely untapped metallic materials. Pertinent microscopic mechanisms are elucidated by deciphering the intricate load‐driven chemical reactions that generate and sustain the observed superlubricating state and assessing the strong stress responses under diverse strains that produce the superior durability.