Optimization of Process Parameters for a Chemi-Absorbed Graphene Coating and Its Nano Tribological Investigation

A reduced graphene oxide coating was deposited on a titanium substrate for potential anti-friction applications in nano- or micro-mechanical systems. A γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane coating was self-assembled on the substrate as an adhesive interlayer beforehand. The process parameters of self-assembly and hydrothermal reduction of graphene oxide coating were explored via water contact angle and tribological tests. Insufficient self-assembly duration of graphene oxide layer can be detected by water contact angle results, and the corresponding coating displayed a higher coefficient of friction and shorter anti-wear lifetime than the optimized one. Proper hydrothermal temperature and duration were also confirmed by its water contact angle, coefficient of friction and anti-wear lifetime. Noticeably, excessive hydrothermal temperature or duration would reduce the coefficient of friction, but diminish the anti-wear resistance. The optimized process parameters were confirmed as assembly duration of graphene oxide coating for 12 h, hydrothermal reduction duration of 6–8 h at 135 °C. Nano tribological behaviors of the obtained hydrothermal reduced graphene oxide coating by AFM tester were then investigated under various testing circumstances. The results showed that the coating performed reliable and low adhesion and friction forces under all circumstances. The nanowear resistance of the titanium substrate was significantly strengthened by the prepared coating.