Abstract
Micro/nano adhesion and friction properties of mixed self-assembled monolayer (SAM) with different chain length for MEMS application were experimentally studied. Many kinds of SAM having different spacer chains(C6, C10 and C18) and their mixtures (1:1) were deposited onto Si-wafer, where the deposited SAM resulted in the hydrophobic nature. The adhesion and friction properties between tip and SAM surfaces under nano scale applied load were measured using an atomic force microscope (AFM) and under micro scale applied load were measured using ball-on-flat type micro-tribotester. Surface roughness and water contact angles were measured with SPM (scanning probe microscope) and contact anglemeter. Results showed that water contact angles of mixed SAMs were similar to those of pure SAMs. The morphology of coating surface was roughened as mixing of SAM. Nano adhesion and nano friction decreased as increasing of the spacer chain length and mixing of SAM. Micro friction was decreased as increasing of the spacer chain length, but micro friction of mixed SAM showed the value between pure SAMs. Nano adhesion and friction mechanism of mixed SAM was proposed in a view of stiffness of spacer chain modified chemically and topographically.