Fox-Rabinovich, German S.Kovalev, Anatoly I.Veldhuis, Stephen C.Yamamoto, K.Endrino, José L.Gershman, I. S.Rashkovskiy, A. Y.Aguirre, M. H.2024-02-142024-02-142015-03-05Fox-Rabinovich G, Kovalev A, Veldhuis S, et al., (2015) Spatio-temporal behaviour of atomic-scale tribo-ceramic films in adaptive surface engineered nano-materials. Scientific reports, Volume 5, March 2015, Article number 87082045-2322https://doi.org/10.1038/srep08780https://dspace.lib.cranfield.ac.uk/handle/1826/20790Atomic-scale, tribo-ceramic films associated with dissipative structures formation are discovered under extreme frictional conditions which trigger self-organization. For the first time, we present an actual image of meta-stable protective tribo-ceramics within thicknesses of a few atomic layers. A mullite and sapphire structure predominates in these phases. They act as thermal barriers with an amazing energy soaking/dissipating capacity. Less protective tribo-films cannot sustain in these severe conditions and rapidly wear out. Therefore, a functional hierarchy is established. The created tribo-films act in synergy, striving to better adapt themselves to external stimuli. Under a highly complex structure and non-equilibrium state, the upcoming generation of adaptive surface engineered nano-multilayer materials behaves like intelligent systems - capable of generating, with unprecedented efficiency, the necessary tribo-films to endure an increasingly severe environment.enAttribution 4.0 InternationalMaterials scienceNanoscale materialsArticle