Project UTFROM “Understanding and Tuning FRiction through nanOstructure Manipulation” is funded by the Projects or Relevant National Interest (PRIN) scheme of the Italian Ministry of Education, University and Research (MIUR). UTFROM focuses on the physics of nano and mesoscale friction phenomena. The objective is to devise new strategies for scaling up to the mesoscale high-lubricity behaviors that hold at the nanoscale. Achieving this objective would be greatly beneficial for the reduction of friction, adhesion and ageing issues that are limiting the development of micro-machines of central importance in engineering and materials-science. These objectives will be pursued in a multifaceted approach starting from the fundamental atomic-scale friction of selected nanomaterials, both in clean vacuum and in environmental conditions, then scaling up to the mesoscale. The consortium comprises experimental and theory/modelling groups with a wide range of expertise, among the most active at the national and international level. These groups are ideally set to establish a close collaboration network capable of developing a combined multiscale approach covering all relevant size and time scales.  

Advisor: Alberto Giacomello

Researchers: Manoj Settem, Emanuele Telari