Researchers at NIST have developed software to simulate the friction of graphene at the atomic level. The study found that graphene’s friction decreases as more layers are added to the stack, similar to how pavement softens in hot weather, reducing friction for moving objects.
The NIST software uses molecular dynamics to simulate atomic force microscopy (AFM) and measure friction across one to four graphene layers. The researchers discovered that graphene deflects and warps under the AFM tip, creating rolling friction. This effect becomes less pronounced with each additional graphene layer, making the surface more slippery.
The findings are consistent with recent experiments but provide new quantitative data. The study shows that friction per unit of AFM contact force increases with fewer graphene layers, while the top surface becomes more yielding and slippery with more layers. This research could help optimize graphene’s use in applications like solid-state lubricants and flexible electronics.
Keywords: Graphene, Atomic Force Microscopy, Friction, Molecular Dynamics, Deflection
