Nanotribology of carbon nanotubes

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have remarkable mechanical and electrical properties which make them attractive for a large number of applications. Attempts have been made to develop reinforced composites, super-strong fibers and sheets, nanoprobes, chemical and biological sensors, nanoscale electromechanical devices and molecular electronics. Nanotube arrays are being developed for field-emitter-based screens and thermal management. The mechanical strength of many of these devices critically relies on the nanotribology and nanomechanics of CNTs. Various investigations of adhesion, friction, wear and mechanics of MWNTs, SWNTs and MWNT arrays have been carried out. This paper provides an overview.