A molecular dynamics study on the synergistic lubrication mechanisms of graphene/water-based lubricant systems

Water-based lubricants with graphene have excellent lubrication behaviors, but the synergistic mechanism involving the activities of both water and graphene isblue still unclear. This work investigates such mechanism by considering the effect of different factors such as the number of water molecules, loading, surface roughness and sliding velocity via molecular dynamics simulation. It is found that the friction reduction by water-based lubricants is due to the enhanced isolation between friction pairs by the graphene presence and the improvement of water replenishment. The synergistic lubrication mechanism works as that the water molecules may protect the structural integrity of graphene by inducing its movement to release lateral stresses and the graphene can enhance the movement of water molecules and promote their rolling like bearings.

Automated summary

Water-based lubricants with graphene exhibit excellent lubrication performance, with the friction reduction attributed to the enhanced isolation between friction pairs by graphene presence and improved water replenishment. The synergistic lubrication mechanism involves water molecules protecting graphene's structural integrity by inducing movement to release lateral stresses, and graphene enhancing water molecule movement to promote rolling like bearings.