Nanocomposite polymer layers for molecular tribology

We discuss a novel strategy for the formation of elastomeric boundary lubri cation coatings from block copolymers grafted to a reactive interface of a silicon substrate. We demonstrate molecularly thick thermoplastic elastomer ic films with promising microtribological properties. These films are compo sed of an elastomeric rubber phase reinforced by the net of glassy nanodoma ins. These elastomeric layers are extremely wear resistant under shear stre sses due to the unique combination of a chemically grafted elastic matrix c apable of tremendous reversible deformation (500-1000%) stabilized by a che mically interconnected nanodomain net.