Thermal effects on van der Waals adhesive forces

We present an experimental and theoretical study on how thermal energy alters van der Waals adhesion forces in nanoscale contacts stretched by mechanical probes. The force follows a distribution whose density function is an asymmetric bell-shaped curve presenting a temperature-dependent negative skewness. With increasing temperature the asymmetry increases whereas the most probable force value decreases. Using a 2-8 Lennard-Jones interaction potential within the reaction rate theory, we offer a theoretical framework permitting an evaluation of the microscopic parameters governing adhesion in a van der Waals nanocontact subjected to mechanical fluctuations.