Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 February 2011
Molecular Dynamics simulations have been used to investigate the rheological properties and dynamics of nanoscopically confined lubricating films. Comparative experimental studies of 10 to 20Å thin polymer films confined between mica-type layers explore the dynamics of similar systems, and confirm the computer simulation predictions. The use of model systems of polymers intercalated in layered mica-type silicates facilitates the study of SFA-like geometries with a variety of common analytical techniques, thus dramatically expanding the horizons of studying nanometer wide confined polymer films.