Graphene-induced reconstruction of the sliding interface assisting the improved lubricity of various tribo-couples. (June 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yin, Xuan; Wu, Fan; Chen, Xinchun; Xu, Jianxun; Wu, Pu; Li, Jinjin; Zhang, Chenhui; Luo, Jianbin
• Is Part Of: Materials & design. Volume 191(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-06
• Subjects: Graphene -- Diamond-like carbon -- Tribo-counterparts -- Tribofilm -- Nanostructure; Materials -- Periodicals; Engineering design -- Periodicals; Matériaux -- Périodiques; Conception technique -- Périodiques; Electronic journals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matdes.2020.108661
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0264-1275

Abstract

Abstract: Graphene has emerged as one of the most promising solid lubricants owing to their exceptional lubricity. The atomically thin nature and its ability to conformally adsorb on the sliding surfaces provide unprecedented pathways for modifying the friction and wear behaviors of the mechanical moving parts. Here, the tribological responses of several representative tribo-couples including bare steel, diamond-like carbon and ceramic materials are investigated to explore the potentials of graphene as surface modifier. Specific emphasis is devoted to the graphene-induced reconstruction of the sliding interface and the growth mechanism of nanostructured tribofilms formed on the contact surface using high-resolution microscopic technique. The results reveal the unique properties of graphene regarding the friction reduction and wear protection irrespective of the types of counterpart materials, graphene-processed methods, dry or humid tests environments. Nevertheless, the interfacial features and the bonding characteristics of the tribofilms are diversified in each specific rubbing case, demonstrating the distinguished adaption capacity of graphene to the tribo-testing conditions. The present findings shed light on the lubrication phenomenon of graphene at the microscale and may provide useful design criterion for 2D-based solid lubricants. Graphical abstract: Unlabelled Image Highlights: Graphene-processed lubricants with effective friction-reducing effects are achieved. The lubricity depends strongly on the material characteristics of the tribo-couple. The anti-friction tribofilms formed on the contact areas are analyzed to reveal the lubricating mechanisms. The present findings show the promising application of graphene-based lubricants in engineering fields.