Fabrication and tribological properties of a multiply-alkylated cyclopentane/reduced graphene oxide composite ultrathin film

A composite thin film composed of multiply-alkylated cyclopentane (MAC) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) is prepared on a silicon substrate. The rGO sheets were covalently assembled onto a silicon surface by mutilayer deposition. Meanwhile, MAC was synthesized as a hydrocarbon lubricant. The chemical composition, structure and morphology of the film were characterized utilizing the measurement tool of Raman spectroscopy, attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and film thickness with ellipsometric method, and by the means of high resolution transmission electron microscopy and atomic force microscopic analysis. Results show that the MAC/rGO composite thin films possess good load-carrying capabilities, adhesion resistance and anti-wear performance. This strategy can be applied to many other surfaces, such as metals, glass and semiconductors, by simply changing rGO assembly. (C) 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.