Quasiliquid-Ice Layers and Their Friction Against Steel in an Ultra-High Vacuum and Low Temperature Environment
by
Hong Liang
UAF
ABSTRACT
In this work, we investigated the low temperature ice and its tribological behavior using two major approaches. We successfully formed a thin layer of ice at temperature as low as -1500C and in an ultra-high vacuum. After that we investigated the frictional behavior of such thin ice layer. Surface characterization techniques used for this study are, Auger, EDX, and XPS. These systems are attached to a pin-on-disk friction tester. The changing friction as a function of friction indicates that the ice might undergo pre-melting at temperature even below -1000C. The capillary force on the pre-melten ice is not measurable. In this presentation, we will discuss the lubricating behavior of solid ice.