"suggest why carbon nanotubes can be used as a lubricant (2 MARKS)"
Carbon nanotubes can be used as a lubricant for the following reasons:
1. Excellent mechanical properties: Carbon nanotubes possess unique mechanical properties, such as high tensile strength and low friction coefficient. These properties make them suitable for reducing friction and wear between sliding surfaces, allowing them to act as an effective lubricant.
2. Self-lubricating nature: Carbon nanotubes can form a self-lubricating film on the contact surfaces, reducing the direct interaction between two solid bodies. The highly ordered carbon nanotube structure allows for easy sliding motion and decreases the adhesion forces, resulting in improved lubrication and reduced wear and tear.