Surfaces: an essential link in nanotechnology

Relationships are to be formulated among surface geometry, tribology and manufacturing nanotechnology. These relationships are developed into a function map and template for use by researchers. The map is the first attempt to classify the function rather than the surface finish. It is based on the novel concept of balancing the `unit event' of the function with its distribution in space. The map presented here represents an integrated approach to the role of surfaces in function and manufacture from the nanoscale level up to the macroscale level.