The synergistic lubrication mechanism of the interfacial distribution between graphene and solid particles in the water-based lubrication system: an atomic scale interpretation

XH Zhu and XW Wang and YH Liu and LG Liu and Y Yang and JW Xie and XW Li, CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL, 51 (2025).

DOI: 10.1016/j.ceramint.2025.07.145

The optimization of the interfacial distribution of nanoparticles in water-based lubrication systems (WBLs) is a key challenge to achieve ultra-low friction. However, there are still significant gaps in the atomic scale understanding of the co-lubrication mechanism of graphene nanoparticles (GNP) at different spatial positions and diamond-like carbon (DLC) films. Therefore, in this study, three different interface models were constructed based on molecular dynamics (MD) simulation, and the dynamic correlation between interface friction behavior and spatial configuration was systematically revealed. The results show that when GNP is in direct contact with the DLC film, it collaborates with the DLC film to form a low-roughness protective film through the atomic-level matching mechanism, and co-dominates the friction behavior with the stable lubricating layer formed by the friction medium, controlling the friction force at about 3.6 nN, and achieving the optimal spatial configuration. However, when GNP is in the center of the particle cluster, the stress shielding effect leads to the obstruction of interfacial shear stress transfer, and the roughness of the protective film increases to 2 & Aring; and the friction force increases to 17.0 nN. When GNP is located above the particle cluster, although GNP can effectively reduce friction, it cannot form synergistic lubrication with DLC film. This study has cracked the black box of the "location- performance" correlation of nano-lubricants, which is of urgent significance for the upgrading of the water-based lubrication industry system on the scale of 10 billion.

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