An atomic-scale insight into mechanical enhancement and frictional properties of amorphous/graphene multilayers

Abstract

This study utilizes molecular dynamics simulation to explore the mechanical and friction properties of CuTa/Graphene A/GR multilayers during nanoscratching. By investigating the influence of amorphous layer thickness, substrate temperature, and scratching speed valuable insights into scratching behaviors are gained. Reducing the amorphous layer thickness enhances the normal force and contact pressure, effectively strengthening the A/GR multilayer, while decreasing the frictional force owing to the lubricating properties of graphene, resulting in a notable reduction in friction coefficient. Analysis of the deformation mechanism reveals that the graphene layer impedes shear band propagation, especially noticeable at thinner amorphous layer thicknesses. Additionally, the A/GR multilayer exhibits outstanding wear resistance at high temperature and speed, as indicated by a slightly increased wear atomic ratio.