Fluid-like graphene oxide organic hybrid materials as efficient anti-wear and friction-reducing additive of polyethylene glycol

Abstract Achieving graphene-based lubricants with simultaneous excellent dispersibility and tribological performance remains challenging as graphene tends to agglomerate in lubricating oils. Herein, a fluid-like graphene oxide (FL-GO) was developed based on covalent grafting and epoxide ring-opening reactions, which exhibited obviously improved dispersion ability and tribological behaviors in polyethylene glycol (PEG). The dispersion stability of FL-GO was demonstrated by sedimentation experiment and the 0.5% of FL-GO reduced wear volume of 91.1% and friction coefficient of 43.7%. This well-dispersed graphene helps continue to generate an uneven lubricating film on the rubbing surface, thereby improving the friction and wear performance of the lubricating oils.