Resumen: Atomic-scale, tribo-ceramic films associated with dissipative structures formation are discovered under extreme frictional conditions which trigger self-organization. For the first time, we present an actual image of meta-stable protective tribo-ceramics within thicknesses of a few atomic layers. A mullite and sapphire structure predominates in these phases. They act as thermal barriers with an amazing energy soaking/ dissipating capacity. Less protective tribo-films cannot sustain in these severe conditions and rapidly wear out. Therefore, a functional hierarchy is established. The created tribo-films act in synergy, striving to better adapt themselves to external stimuli. Under a highly complex structure and non-equilibrium state, the upcoming generation of adaptive surface engineered nano-multilayer materials behaves like intelligent systems - capable of generating, with unprecedented efficiency, the necessary tribo-films to endure an increasingly severe environment. Idioma: Inglés DOI: 10.1038/srep08780 Año: 2015 Publicado en: Scientific Reports 5 (2015), 1-7 ISSN: 2045-2322 Factor impacto JCR: 5.228 (2015) Categ. JCR: MULTIDISCIPLINARY SCIENCES rank: 7 / 62 = 0.113 (2015) - Q1 - T1 Factor impacto SCIMAGO: 2.034 - Multidisciplinary (Q1)