The subject of nanofriction having its origins in the late 19th century has slowly but surely started picking up lately. With rapid advancements in science and technology throughout the last century, understanding nanofriction has been gaining prominence. In this context, and in the current 21st century of nanotechnology, it is expected that nanofriction will play a predominant role, as we try moving forward to solve the most pressing medical and biological problems with the usage of nanobots. It is important to understand the challenges we have to encounter in order to solve these problems for the benefit of the human race. The availability of high speed computers and smart algorithms has made it possible to investigate the problems (as outlined above and many more) without compromising on the complexities involved. The focus of the present review is to bring together major theoretical/mathematical models and computational approaches to study friction at nanoscale. The role of adhesion in the estimation of force of friction at nanoscale has also been clearly outlined. A critical discussion on the significance of single and multiple asperity models towards estimating friction at nanoscale has also been provided. At the end, a short description on scanning probe microscopy in estimating nanofriction has been provided for the completeness of the review.

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Molten fluoride salts are candidate heat transfer fluids in a number of applications such as generation IV Molten Salt Nuclear Reactors (MSRs) and Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) Plants. However, a chief concern in the design of these systems is the corrosion of structural materials that come in contact with these molten salts. Redox control methods such as purification of salt, addition of active elements, and applied electrochemical potential can be efficient methods for preventing corrosion of structural materials in molten fluoride salts. Applied electrochemical potential as a redox control method for application in molten fluoride salts has rarely been explored. This study seeks to understand the viability of impressed current Cathodic Protection (CP) at various currents as a redox control method to prevent corrosion of Stainless Steel 316H in molten LiF-NaF-KF (FLiNaK) salt. Results show that application of CP can be an effective method to prevent corrosion of SS316H in molten FLiNaK salt, but the applied current will have to be optimized to prevent undesirable side effects such as reduction of salt constituents, salt deposition on electrodes etc.