Developments in tribological research on ultrathin films

A review of studies of the tribology of ultrathin films is presented, which focuses primarily on the tribological properties of the Langmuir–Blodgett (LB) films, self-assembled monolayers, and the molecular deposition films investigated by the authors and their co-workers. The emergence of the atomic force microscope has helped the development of studies of ultrathin films; particularly LB films which have been studied extensively. Firstly, the results of research into the various factors affecting the tribological properties of LB films and progress in the application of molecular dynamics simulations to study the mechanisms of friction and lubrication are introduced. Then a review of the experimental and theoretical research into self-assembled monolayers is given. Finally, recent advances in the investigation of tribological properties of molecular deposition films on different substrates (Au, Si and silica rock surfaces) are presented and the prospects for the tribological applications of such ultrathin films are addressed.