Phys.org September 12, 2018
When a liquid is confined between closely spaced surfaces, it may form ordered layers, leading to changes in the liquid’s viscosity and molecular structure. Understanding the mechanical properties of these ordered layers is important for the development of nanotechnology devices and lubricants. Using lubricants undecanol and tetradecane researchers in Singapore were able to produce highly ordered layers of hydrocarbons along the surface of graphite by applying a strong electric field. Even after removing remaining trace amounts of water the oscillatory forces remained present even at high electric field strengths. The research could lead to new applications in nanofluidics and nanotribology… read more. TECHNICAL ARTICLE
The sharp, metal-coated tip of an AFM can apply very high electric fields across liquid molecules (in this case an oil) right next to a surface. Credit: A*STAR Institute of Materials Research and Engineering