A means of achieving nearly zero coefficient of friction

The sliding surfaces are each coated with a reactive material, in nano capsules or in some cases merely absorbed in a microporous surface. The reactive materials may range from hydrogen producing couples such as Lithium Hydride and Water or Carbon Dioxide producing couples such as Sodium Carbonate and Acetic Acid.

On contact the opposite surfaces react to produce a gas and the surfaces then “slide” on this gas covered interface. The action is similar to the air hockey tables found in arcades.

Due to the small a mounts of reactants, the distance to be travelled can be limited. Moving heavy loads a short distance seems to be one application. To extend the travelled distance, the load itself may contain a surplus of reactant to be supplied to the sliding surface for greatly extended distances.