Frictional Characteristics of Graphene Layers Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation

Molecular dynamics simulations of an atomic force microscope (AFM) probe scanning the surface of a five-layer graphene were conducted. The AFM-like scanning probe was modeled by a capped single-wall carbon nanotube. Note that interference with the graphene surface induced frictional behavior; moreover, the effects on the friction system of scanning velocity, probe direction and temperature were investigated. Wrinkling of the graphene surface became more apparent at higher temperatures, while stick-slip friction was more apparent at a lower temperature and a slower scanning velocity. The friction coefficient of the system was approximately 0.001.