Abstract
The mechanism of boundary friction is assumed here to be due to the molecular forces between hydrocarbon molecules adsorbed on the surfaces rather than to welding and tearing of the opposing surface roughness. On this assumption the frictional force, which arises when two orientated layers are moved over each other, can be calculated. The formulae for the Van der Waals and the repulsion forces are those successfully used by Müller for paraffins. The different values of the kinetic and static frictions can be explained by the forces being due to the tails of the chains in kinetic and the sides of the chains in static lubrication. The value of the coefficient of friction, as calculated by this method, is of the correct order of magnitude.

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