Flexible graphene oxide/poly(ethylene glycol) composite films for lubrication application

For the rotating parts of low-speed heavy machinery, it is difficult to replace and add lubricants, so coating the mechanical surface is an effective method to reduce friction and wear. In this study, a smooth functional film with good mechanical strength was designed and prepared by combining graphene oxide (GO) with polyethylene glycol (PEG). This wachieved by grafting PEG onto the GO surface. The effects of lubrication for the cases of flexible lubricating film, no film, and single film were analysed. The lubrication characteristics of GO–PEG flexible composite film under water lubrication, are discussed in detail. The results show that the mixture of PEG and GO can significantly improve the thermal stability, film forming properties and mechanical properties of GO–PEG composites. The membrane has a good friction limit performance. Compared with the uncoated surface, the friction coefficient is reduced by 74% and the wear rate is reduced by 70%.