Structural and frictional peculiarities of nanocrystalline thermally expanded graphite particles sonicated in water and glycerol

Abstract

Nanocrystalline graphite samples obtained by the sonication of TEG in water and glycerol have been investigated by XPS and AES. The ultrasonic treatment of graphite leads to the loosening of its edges, increases the number of defects in layers, and promotes the penetration of a modifying fluid into the interlayer space in the peripheral areas. The dissociation on internal defects with the formation of C–OH groups is possible in the case of water. In friction against a thoroughly polished steel surface, modified graphite particles have demonstrated a lower coefficient of friction but a shorter lifetime than original graphite.