Tunable Friction Through Stimuli Responsive Hybrid Carbon Microspheres.

We explore the use of poly(-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAm)-grafted carbon microspheres (CM) dispersed in water as a stimulus-responsive lubricant. A critical concentration between 3 and 5 mg/mL of PNIPAm-grafted CM is needed to achieve low friction (coefficient of friction ∼ 0.04) at room temperature between borosilicate and silicon surfaces.

Anomalous Potential-Dependent Friction on Au(111) Measured by AFM.

We present an exploratory study of the tribological properties between an AFM probe and a Au(111) surface in an aqueous environment while subjected to applied surface potentials. Using a three-electrode setup, the electrical potential and interfacial electric field on a Au(111) working electrode are controlled. Lateral force microscopy is used to measure the friction forces between the AFM probe and the Au surface.

Enhanced Adhesion of Mosquitoes to Rough Surfaces.

Insects and small animals capable of adhering reversibly to a variety of surfaces employ the unique design of the distal part of their legs. In the case of mosquitoes, their feet are composed of thousands of micro- and nanoscale protruding structures, which impart superhydrophobic properties. Previous research has shown that the superhydrophobic nature of the feet allows mosquitoes to land on water, which is necessary for their reproduction cycle.