Atomic-scale friction behavior of layered graphene and graphene-like BN materials modulated by interaction potential

The understanding of fundamental issues related to friction at the atomic scale remains a great challenge due to the large difference between macroscopic and microscopic frictional behaviors. Here based on first-principles calculations, the applicability of macroscopic friction laws to the atomic scale is studied. The underlying mechanism that governs friction behavior is also explored. A completely new perspective of understanding the friction at the atomic scale is presented according to the observation of the applicability of friction law at the atomic scale and the variations of interaction potential induced by the number of layer and normal load.