ABSTRACT
Reliability of microdevices, also commonly referred to as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS), as well as magnetic storage devices (which include magnetic rigid disk drives, flexible disk drives, and tape drives), require the use of molecularly thick films for protection of sliding surfaces (Bhushan et al., 1995a; Bhushan, 1996, 1998a, 1999a). A solid or liquid film is generally necessary for acceptable friction and wear properties of sliding interfaces. A small quantity of liquid present between some surfaces can substantially increase the static friction as a result of formation of menisci or adhesive bridges (Bhushan, 1999b). Smooth surfaces in contact, and in the presence of a small amount of liquid, generally tend to adhere or stick strongly and can exhibit high static friction (Bhushan, 1996). It becomes a major concern in devices operating at ultralow loads as the liquid-mediated adhesive force may be on the same order as the external load and may lead to high friction and wear.
