Origin of Pressure-Dependent Adhesion in Nanoscale Contacts.

ABSTRACT: The adhesion between nanoscale components has been shown to increase with applied load, contradicting well-established mechanics models. Here, we use in situ transmission electron microscopy and atomistic simulations to reveal the underlying mechanism for this increase as a change in the mode of separation. Analyzing 135 nanoscale adhesion tests on technologically relevant materials of anatase TiO₂, silicon, and diamond, we demonstrate a transition from fracture-controlled to strength-controlled separation. When fracture models are incorrectly applied, they yield a 7-fold increase in apparent work of adhesion; however, we show that the true work of adhesion is unchanged with loading. Instead, the nanoscale adhesion is governed by the product of adhesive stre

SUBMITTER: Baker AJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9335865 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature