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| Main Authors: | , , , , , , , , , |
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| Format: | Preprint |
| Published: |
2026
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.15181 |
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| _version_ | 1866908889282248704 |
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| author | Kang, Fuyan Deng, Shilin Li, Panpan Zhao, Rui Liu, Xiaohong Li, Hongxuan Zhou, Huidi Chen, Jianmin Ouyang, Wengen Ji, Li |
| author_facet | Kang, Fuyan Deng, Shilin Li, Panpan Zhao, Rui Liu, Xiaohong Li, Hongxuan Zhou, Huidi Chen, Jianmin Ouyang, Wengen Ji, Li |
| contents | Intelligent materials that self-sense and self-regulate are an emerging frontier in sustainable technology. Here we introduce Cu(Au)/C nanocomposite films that act as bioinspired self-adjusting lubricants. In these films, frictional heating triggers melting and migration of soft metal nanoparticles (NPs) such as Cu or Au along nano-pores to the friction interface, where the metal catalyzes the in-situ formation of ordered carbon nano-structures. Real-time monitoring of friction coefficient, electrical resistance(R), and metal release confirms an autonomous cycle: high friction coefficient generates heat, melting the metal NPs; the migrating metal then lowers friction coefficent by creating low-friction nanostructures, which reduces heat and arrests further migration until friction rises again. This self-limiting feedback enables stable ultra-low friction (~0.04) and an exceptional wear life (>40 km) even in high vacuum. By utilizing friction-derived heat as an intrinsic activation signal, our system establishes a general paradigm for intelligent, self-regulating materials with applications extending beyond tribology. |
| format | Preprint |
| id |
arxiv_https___arxiv_org_abs_2603_15181 |
| institution | arXiv |
| publishDate | 2026 |
| record_format | arxiv |
| spellingShingle | A biomimetic feedback loop for sustaining self-lubrication and wear resistance Kang, Fuyan Deng, Shilin Li, Panpan Zhao, Rui Liu, Xiaohong Li, Hongxuan Zhou, Huidi Chen, Jianmin Ouyang, Wengen Ji, Li Materials Science Intelligent materials that self-sense and self-regulate are an emerging frontier in sustainable technology. Here we introduce Cu(Au)/C nanocomposite films that act as bioinspired self-adjusting lubricants. In these films, frictional heating triggers melting and migration of soft metal nanoparticles (NPs) such as Cu or Au along nano-pores to the friction interface, where the metal catalyzes the in-situ formation of ordered carbon nano-structures. Real-time monitoring of friction coefficient, electrical resistance(R), and metal release confirms an autonomous cycle: high friction coefficient generates heat, melting the metal NPs; the migrating metal then lowers friction coefficent by creating low-friction nanostructures, which reduces heat and arrests further migration until friction rises again. This self-limiting feedback enables stable ultra-low friction (~0.04) and an exceptional wear life (>40 km) even in high vacuum. By utilizing friction-derived heat as an intrinsic activation signal, our system establishes a general paradigm for intelligent, self-regulating materials with applications extending beyond tribology. |
| title | A biomimetic feedback loop for sustaining self-lubrication and wear resistance |
| topic | Materials Science |
| url | https://arxiv.org/abs/2603.15181 |