Friction between α-Al2O3(0 0 0 1) surfaces and the effects of surface hydroxylation

Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the friction between hydroxylated α-Al2O3(0 0 0 1) surfaces at the temperature of 300 K. Effects of the degree of surface hydroxylation and sliding velocity have been discussed. Results indicate that the friction coefficient decreases with increased degrees of hydroxylation. For all degrees of surface hydroxylation, the friction law crosses over from thermal activation to viscous damping at sliding velocity of 80 m/s.