Phys.org July 13, 2018
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory have developed a process based on graphene which shows that a few layers of graphene not only reduce friction in steel rubbing against steel by seven times and the wear by 10,000 times but also significantly reduces the tribo-corrosion problem. Graphene can be applied by spraying a solution in the air and can coat any complicated shape or size—and over a large surface area. According to the researchers it could help wind turbines move with greater ease, allowing them to produce more energy. It can better seal off machinery as it pumps oil or gas from the ground or out at sea… read more.
By creating the graphene-encapsulated diamond ball bearings the team found a way to translate the nanoscale superlubricity into a macroscale phenomenon. Credit: Argonne National Laboratory