Multivariable Dependence And Contributing Factors of Bilayer Graphene Frictional Behavior

The friction and wear properties of bilayer graphene on silicon substrate with diamond atomic force microscope tip were investigated using molecular dynamic simulation with three independent variables of tip velocity, temperature, and normal load. Based on isolated experimental results, it is determined that graphene friction is velocity, temperature, and normal load dependent. Velocity and normal load increase lead to positive friction correlations while temperature increase leads to negative friction correlations, thus leaving the mechanism to be determined. Combined studies reveal similar results, with each variable maintaining its isolated effect in chorus with the other utilized. Upon obtaining the contact area from these experiments it is evident that velocity and temperature change do not hold direct bearing on the contact area, rather that it is the normal load and size of the sliding surfaces that can fluctuate both contact area and friction in tandem. Hence, the mechanism with respect to velocity and temperature dependence of graphene friction is determined to be variation in interatomic potentials associated with interatomic interactions. Varying the contact area can increase or decrease the quantity of atoms in contact, therefore also having an impact on graphene friction.