Atomistic modeling of tribological properties of Pd and Al nanoparticles on a graphene surface

Abstract

Background: The frictional properties of nanoparticles have been studied to gain insight into the fundamental origin of sliding friction. Results: Using molecular dynamics we investigate frictional properties of aluminum and palladium nanoparticles deposited on a graphene layer. We study the time evolution of the total momentum of the system, the total and potential energies, the temperature, the velocity and position of the center of mass, the dimensions of the nanoparticle, and the friction and substrate forces acting on the particle. We also study how the friction force depends on the nanoparticle–graphene contact area and the temperature. Conclusion: The tribological properties of nanoparticles strongly depend on the materials. The particles move in an irregular (saw-like) manner. The averaged friction force depends nearly linearly on the contact area and non-monotonously on temperature. We observe ordered crystalline domains of atoms at the bottom surface of the metal particles, but the peaks of radial distribution function are blurred indicating that the nanoparticles are amorphous or polycrystalline.

Effect of Diamond Nanoparticle on the Friction Property of Sliding Friction Pair With Molecular Dynamics Simulation

“…In addition, working parameters which affect the friction property of nanoparticles, such as velocity [16], shape of nanoparticle [17], [18], temperature [19], [20] and normal load [21] have been well researched by the MD simulation. Hu et al [16] studied the friction behaviors of silicon dioxide and diamond nanoparticle with MD simulations.…”

“…They found that the movement pattern of nanoparticles can be changed from sliding to rolling by tuning the nanoparticle shape. Khomenko et al [19] studied the friction properties of Pd and Al nanoparticles on a graphene surface and point out that the averaged friction force depends nearly linearly on the contact area and non-monotonously on the temperature.…”