Abstract:
Nanoscale tribological and mechanical properties of boric
acid were studied by Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and Nanomechanical Testing System. The
surface morphology, mechanical properties, and wear properties of boric acid on bulk boron
oxide substrates in air at room temperature and various relative humidity ( RH ) were
examined. It is shown that the growth of boric acid film is dependent on RH , and the growth
rate of H 3BO 3 correlates with the micro wear rate of B 2O 3. The surface of B 2O 3 became
soft with the growth of boric acid film.