"Friction in Flatland:  A Tribological Trip" is the title of the talk to be presented by Kathryn Hasz ’14, PhD candidate in materials science at the University of Pennsylvania.

Abstract:  Why are some things slippery and others not?  It turns out we don’t fully know!  The field of nanotribology -- the study of friction, adhesion, lubrication, and wear -- is trying to understand what the nanoscale mechanisms that drive friction are. 

We use a technique called atomic force microscopy (AFM) to reveal what’s going on at the surface of materials.  We specifically look at a class of two-dimensional materials called the transition metal dichalcogenides.  These materials are popular for flexible electronics and optical properties, but they also have very low friction. 

By switching out one of the elements, we can systematically see the effects of structure and composition drive changes in friction.

A reception for Professor Hasz begins at 4:10 p.m. in the Anderson Lounge, Wright Lab, second floor.