Nantribology: Rubbing on a Small Scale

With the development of the atomic force microscope, the study of friction, wear, and lubrication (i.e., tribology) between a single asperity of nanometer dimensions and a solid surface has led to a wealth of knowledge. We present a review of tribological concepts and examine the consequences of reducing the size scale of surfaces in sliding contact. A few examples of nanotribology studies including fundamental investigations of friction and tribochemistry are presented.