Mechanical and tribological behaviors of metallic glass/graphene film with a laminated structure

Metallic glass (MG) film often suffer from high friction and wear, which considerably limit their lifespan in sliding contact service. In this study, graphene (GR) is chosen as an interfacial material to develop a MG/GR multilayer with enhanced mechanical and tribological properties. We report on the fabrication of this multilayer by repeated deposition of Cu50Zr50 MG alternating with transfer of GR. Upon deformation, it is found that the incorporation of GR can lead to extensive shear bands and shear band/interface interactions, which are confirmed by the transition of deformation mode from a chaotic to a self-organized critical state. In comparison with the monolithic MG film, the coefficient of friction and wear rate of the multilayer are decreased by ~ 35% and 65% respectively, which is attributed to the enhanced mechanical properties and lubricating effect induced by the GR layer. The current work not only broadens our understanding of the positive role of GR in improving the frictional behavior of MG, but opens a new path for designing of novel MG films with a combination of exceptional mechanical and tribological properties.