Chemically functionalized graphene for lubricant applications: Microscopic and spectroscopic studies of contact interfaces to probe the role of graphene for enhanced tribo-performance.

Shear-induced transfer of graphene on the contact interfaces was studied by microscopic and spectroscopic analyses of steel balls lubricated with chemically functionalized graphene-based mineral lube base oil (SN-150). The 3,5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzaldehyde (DtBHBA) grafted-graphene (Gr-DtBHBA) was prepared by two-steps approach using graphene oxide as a precursor. Chemical and structural features of Gr-DtBHBA are probed by FTIR, XPS, Raman, TGA, and HRTEM analyses. The van der Waals interaction between the tertiary-butyl group in the Gr-DtBHBA and hydrocarbon chains of mineral lube base oil facilitates the dispersion of Gr-DtBHBA in the SN-150 lube base oil, which is very important for the optimized performance of Gr-DtBHBA as a lubricant additive. The minute dosing (0.2-0.8 mg mL-1) of the Gr-DtBHBA in the SN-150 lube base oil showed the significant reduction in the coefficient of friction (40%) and wear scar diameter (17%) under the rolling contact between steel balls. The microscopic and EDX analysis of the worn area suggested the role of Gr-DtBHBA nanosheets for enhanced tribo-performance of the SN-150 lube base oil. A detailed Raman study of the worn area of steel ball revealed the deposition of a graphene-based tribo thin film in the forms of irregular patches. The shear-induced deposition of graphene thin film on the contact interfaces reduced the friction and protected the tribo-surfaces against the wear.